Final answer:
To make a pH 6 carbonic acid buffer, mix sodium bicarbonate with water, measure the pH, add a strong acid to lower the pH to 6, and then titrate with a strong base to bring the pH back to 6.
Step-by-step explanation:
To make a pH 6 carbonic acid buffer, you will need sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), which is the base component, and carbonic acid (H2CO3), which is the acid component.
- Start by preparing a 1:40 dilution of your buffer by mixing an appropriate amount of sodium bicarbonate with water.
- Measure the pH of this dilution to ensure it is close to neutral.
- To lower the pH to 6, add a strong acid, such as HCl, dropwise until the desired pH is reached.
- Finally, titrate the buffer solution back to pH 6 using a strong base, such as NaOH, recording the volume of base added along the way.