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Testing for Gases

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

Hydrogen gas

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
Testing for Hydrogen

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.
Carbon dioxide gas

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
Testing for Carbon Dioxide

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.
Oxygen gas

Oxygen gas

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

Testing for Oxygen

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

1.1

Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2

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Chemistry

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Reactivity

2.7

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Waves

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