Make Solution With pH 4.0 using Sulfuric Acid

[nelsonni]

I am working on my science fair project which is observing how acid rain causes corrosion of rocks. I want to make an acid rain solution using distilled water and sulfuric acid. The sulfuric acid I will be using is concentrated acid 18M (molar) and 36N (normal). It has concentration of 95-98% H2SO4. What is the ratio of the amount of sulfuric acid per milliliter of water to get a solution with pH of 4.0-4.3?

[davidkallman]

Hi nelsonni,

You can use:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_fi ... d_solution
to calculate the pH of an acid solution. Sulfuric acid is one of the examples.

Note: the website above was found by providing "what is the ph of an water and acid solution?" to answers.com. You may find other websites by running the answers query.

[ChrisG]

Hi nelsonni,
Please be very careful when working with 18M H2SO4. Always add acid to water. Never add water to acid or you might cause boiling and spattering. That strength of acid can cause irreversible eye damage very quickly.
http://avogadro.chem.iastate.edu/MSDS/H2SO4.htm
It sounds like a very interesting experiment. Good luck!
Chris

[davidkallman]

Chris,

Thanks for your post. Yes, safety is paramount! I'm confused. Can you please clarify:

Always add acid to water. Never add acid to water.

Thanks.

[ChrisG]

Whoops. I'd better drink some more coffee. Fixed it.

Add acid to water.