Testing for hydrogen gas

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


Equipment:
Test tube
Boiling tube
Retort stand
Wooden splint
2M Hydrochloric acid
Magnesium
Safety glasses


Method:

1. Attach the boiling tube upside down to the retort stand. 

2. Add your sample of metal to your test tube. Pour 2ml of 2M Hydrochloric acid into the test tube.

3. Keep gently shaking/swirling the test tube until the metal is gone.

4.When you think the tube is full carefully remove the test tube.

5. Light a wooden splint and put it into the opening of the boiling tube.

The flame s go out with a loud pop.

Results:

Discussion:
Mg + HCL= Hydrogen
The metal was consumed by the reaction, a new product (gas) was formed. The energy was released by the reaction. When the metal dissolved it formed a gas and the test tube became warm.



Evaluation: The first few times it was not Succesful. We did not do it properly the first couple times so we had to improve the way we did things. We weren't fast enough so some of the Hydrogen gas escaped.