2.8.1

Testing for Gases

Test yourself

Testing for Gases

In the Science lab different tests can be performed to identify different gases.

Illustrative background for Hydrogen gasIllustrative background for Hydrogen gas ?? "content

Hydrogen gas

  • Hydrogen is an element with the symbol H
  • It has an atomic mass of 1
  • It contains 1 proton and 1 electron
  • Hydrogen gas is flammable
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Testing for Hydrogen

  • To test for Hydrogen gas we use the “squeaky pop” test
  • This test requires you to put a lit splint near the top of a test tube containing hydrogen.
  • The Hydrogen reacts with Oxygen and explodes – causing the squeaky pop.
  • You can do after you react a metal such as magnesium with an acid in a test tube.
    • If you put a boiling tube inverted over the top you can collect the hydrogen and complete the test.
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Carbon dioxide gas

  • Carbon Dioxide is a compound
  • Carbon Dioxide has the formula CO2
  • It has 1 atom of Carbon and 2 atoms of Oxygen
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Testing for Carbon Dioxide

  • You can test for Carbon Dioxide by bubbling the gas through limewater.
  • If Carbon Dioxide is present the limewater will turn from colourless to a cloudy milky colour.
  • The chemical reaction here causes slaked lime to react with the carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate.
  • Reacting a metal carbonate with an acid produces a salt, water and carbon dioxide. By using a bung and delivery tube you can bubble the carbon dioxide gas through limewater.
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Oxygen gas

  • Oxygen is an element
  • It has the symbol O
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Testing for Oxygen

  • For the test for Oxygen take a glowing splint and if oxygen is present it will reignite.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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