Strenth of 1 Molar Sulfuric Acid Solution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the strength and properties of a 1M sulfuric acid solution, particularly in relation to its perceived strength, pH level, and potential tests to determine its concentration. Participants explore experimental observations and reactions to assess whether the solution is indeed sulfuric acid or significantly diluted.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the strength of the 1M sulfuric acid solution, suggesting it may be extremely weak or just water based on their observations.
  • Another participant notes that if the pH is much higher than 1, it could indicate a concentration lower than 1M, suggesting titration as a method to determine the exact concentration.
  • A suggestion is made to react the solution with baking soda as a potential test for acidity.
  • One participant reports a pH of 1, expressing surprise at the lack of corrosive effects observed when the acid was poured on skin.
  • Another participant comments that a pH of 1 indicates a concentration similar to hydrochloric acid in the stomach, implying that it is not a very high concentration of acid.
  • There is a reiteration of the pH result, along with a concern about the corrosive nature of the acid, questioning why it did not cause harm when spilled on skin.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the strength of the solution, with some proposing methods to test its concentration while others share conflicting observations about its corrosive properties. No consensus is reached on the nature of the solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions regarding pH levels and concentration without resolving the implications of these observations. The discussion reflects a lack of clarity on the expected behavior of a 1M sulfuric acid solution in practical scenarios.

tycon69
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Me and some friends recently stumbled upon a 1M solution of Sulfuric Acid. It's in a small 30 ml bottle and has no distinct smell. After running a few amateur experiments (pouring it on stuff), we concluded that it is either extremely weak or simply water. I know from ap chemistry a few years ago that a 1M solution would contain a mole of H2SO4 per liter, or something of the sort, but I am not sure how strong this is. Is there any tests that i could do to tell if this is simply water or if someone diluted the mixture even further? Or is it extremely obvious from the explanation that it is water?
 
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If pH is much higher than about 1, it might be less than 1 M sulfuric acid - exact pH value I'm not sure. If pH is higher than about 2, you can titrate to find the exact concentration (you can titrate the acid no matter the pH, really.). In case the pH is over 6, it is far too dilute to be close to 1 M.
 
Have you reacted it with baking soda?
 
Yea I finally got some ph strips and found the ph to be 1 surprisingly. Why does it not corrode anything. Although i warned him not to, a crazy friend poured a large amount on himself and it did nothing.
 
pH 1 means it is about as concentrated as hydrochloric in your stomach. Not very high concentration of acid.
 
tycon69 said:
Yea I finally got some ph strips and found the ph to be 1 surprisingly. Why does it not corrode anything. Although i warned him not to, a crazy friend poured a large amount on himself and it did nothing.


At 1 M the solution would be irritating after a couple of minutes.
 

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