GASES: LABORATORY PREPARATION, PROPERTIES, TESTS & USES.

HYDROGEN

EQUATION:                      Zinc  +  Sulphuric Acid  =  Zinc Sulphate  +  Hydrogen

                                           Zn_(s)            H₂SO_4(aq)             ZnSO_4(aq)                H₂­_(g)

DESCRIPTION:       The apparatus is set up as shown above. 
                                    Dilute sulphuric acid is added to the granulated zinc in the flask via the thistle funnel.
                                    The hydrogen gas is collected by downward displacement of water

PROPERTIES:      Colourless, odourless gas almost insoluble in water.
                                Far lighter than air (lightest gas in fact). 
                                Burns readily in air.  Is a reducing agent.

TEST:                      Explodes with a pop in the presence of air (oxygen) when a flame is introduced. 
Water is the only product 2H₂  +  O₂  =  2H₂O 

Junior Science Department, Loreto College, Coleraine.