Testing gases

• Test for hydrogen gas:

  • Remove the bung from the test tube containing the gas
  • Insert a burning splint
  • Hydrogen gas burns rapidly and produces a pop sound
• Test for oxygen gas:

  • Use a glowing splint
  • Place the glowing splint into a test tube of oxygen
  • The splint will burst into flames
• Test for carbon dioxide gas:

  • Use lime water (calcium hydroxide dissolved in water)
  • Draw some of the gas into a plastic pipette
  • Bubble the gas through the lime water
  • If the lime water turns cloudy, it indicates the presence of carbon dioxide
• Test for chlorine gas:

  • Insert damp litmus paper into the mouth of the test tube
  • Chlorine bleaches the litmus paper, turning it white