Preparing a 3% sulfuric acid solution involves diluting a concentrated sulfuric acid solution with water. Please note that handling sulfuric acid requires caution, as it is a highly corrosive substance. It is recommended to wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, and work in a well-ventilated area. Here's a general procedure to prepare a 3% sulfuric acid solution:
Start by measuring the required amount of concentrated sulfuric acid. The concentration of the concentrated sulfuric acid may vary depending on the available product. It's essential to know the concentration of the starting solution to ensure accurate dilution.
Add the concentrated sulfuric acid slowly to a suitable container, such as a glass or plastic container, that can withstand the corrosive properties of the acid. It's important to always add acid to water and not the other way around to prevent splashing or boiling of the acid.
Next, add the appropriate volume of water to the container. The volume of water required depends on the desired concentration and the amount of concentrated sulfuric acid used. To calculate the required volume of water, you can use the following formula:
Volume of water (in liters) = Volume of concentrated sulfuric acid (in liters) × (100 - desired concentration) / desired concentration
For example, if you want to prepare 1 liter of a 3% sulfuric acid solution and you have concentrated sulfuric acid with a concentration of 98%, the calculation would be:
Volume of water = 1 L × (100 - 3) / 3 = 97/3 ≈ 32.33 L
Therefore, you would need to add approximately 32.33 liters of water to the container.
Carefully mix the solution by stirring it with a glass or plastic rod. Avoid using metal utensils as sulfuric acid can react with metals.
Once the solution is well mixed, allow it to cool if any heat was generated during the dilution process.
Check the pH of the solution using a pH meter or test strips. Adjustments can be made by adding small amounts of either sulfuric acid or water to achieve the desired pH.
Remember to handle the solution with care and store it in a properly labeled and sealed container. Additionally, ensure that you follow all safety protocols and regulations when working with sulfuric acid.