- The percent by mass of sulfur trioxide (SO3)
Calculation
Molar mass H2SO4 = 98.078 g/molMolar mass SO3 = 80.063 g/molMolar mass 3H2SO4. 5 SO3 = (98.078 x 3) + (80.063 x 5) = 694.549 g/mol% SO3 = (80.063 x 5) x 100/ 694.549 =57.6
- Potentially hazardous features associated with concentrated sulfuric acid.
Sulfuric acid has been associated with various dangers that pose harm to humanity existence. One of the hazards involved with it is its corrosive nature. This is an effect entailing a slow obliteration of material, for instance in metals, via chemical reaction. The wearing out of material by sulfuric acid agents leads to deterioration of a system, which slows down its working pace.
Another effect that is quite harmful or hazardous, is that which affects the human health where long time exposure to the substance poses a threat to getting cancer, for example, the use of phosphate fertilizers or other material agents containing sulfuric acid content. It is therefore advisable to use protective gear like gloves or masks when handling the element. The corrosive effects of the acid also have a risk to humans in that any accidental inhalation or ingestion, or even contact with the skin can lead to serious burns or sometimes even result to death.
Aquatic effects of sulfuric acid has been known to affect the marine life for a fact where the toxicity of the acid contents distresses aquatic plant growth and the existence of fish and other micro-organisms in the water. The acid is formed from water that dissolves the sulphur in the atmosphere and falls back on earth as rain onto ponds and lakes. This in turn changes the concentration of the water via incremental acidity and change in the water pH level. In overall, the existence of certain marine species cannot survive in an environment with fluctuating acidy levels.
References
U.S. Industrial Chemicals Co. (1961). Sulfuric acid user's handbook. New York: U.S. Industrial Chemicals.
