What should you do immediately if you spill acid on your hands during an experiment?

When dealing with a spill of acid on the skin, the immediate action should be to wash it off as quickly as possible. This is critical because acids can cause chemical burns or severe skin irritation if left in contact with the skin. Prompt washing with plenty of water helps to dilute the acid, reducing its corrosive effects and minimizing injury.

While notifying a teacher is important for further assistance and ensuring safety protocols are followed, the priority is to act quickly to prevent damage. Covering the acid with a cloth may trap the acid against the skin, which could exacerbate the injury. Ignoring the spill and continuing to work is clearly dangerous and could lead to serious harm. Therefore, washing the acid off immediately is the most appropriate response to ensure safety.