9.1.3

Calculating Oxygen in the Air - Non-Metal

Test yourself

Calculating the Percentage of Oxygen in the Air

You need to be able to calculate the percentage of oxygen in the air from the reaction of a non-metal, like phosphorus, with air.

Illustrative background for PreparationIllustrative background for Preparation ?? "content

Preparation

  • Float a piece of white phosphorus on a watch glass in a trough of water.
  • Place a bell jar over the watch glass and mark the water level outside.
  • Using a glass rod, tip the watch glass so that the phosphorus touches the water.
  • Quickly place a bung in the top of the bell jar.
Illustrative background for RecordingsIllustrative background for Recordings ?? "content

Recordings

  • When the reaction has finished, mark the level that the water has risen to.
  • Determine the volume of gas before and after by filling the bell jar with water and measuring the volume for each mark made.
  • Subtract the final volume from the initial volume to determine the volume of oxygen.
  • Divide this value by the initial volume and multiply by 100 to calculate the percentage of oxygen in the air.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium