Testing For Hydrogen Gas

Testing for Hydrogen Gas 

Aim: To show that hydrogen gas is produced when a metal reacts with acid.

Method: 

1. Add your sample of metal to your test tube. Add 2ml of acid.

2. Carefully invert the boiling tube above the test tube containing the metal and acid.

3. Hold the test tubes together for a few minutes, allowing time for the inverted boiling tube to fill with gas.

4. When you think the tube is full, Mr Heath should light the wooden splint.

5. Carefully, but quickly, tilt the boiling tube full of gas upwards and insert the burning splint into the mouth of the test tube.

Results:

It made a popping sound.

Discussion: 

When the reactants (Metal + Acid) mixed together it resulted in two products (Metal Salt + Hydrogen). Because we trapped the Hydrogen gas into the test tubes it started to heat up and bubble. Because of this we knew that it was ready to have the splint put into it. When the splint was put in the test tube it reacted with the Hydrogen gas resulting in the popping sound.

Conclusion:

The experiment worked because the end result was a popping sound. I wouldn't change anything.