GASES: LABORATORY PREPARATION, PROPERTIES, TESTS & USES.

OXYGEN

 

[CARE:  Use a large flask and only a small volume of 10 volume H2O2 to avoid cork exploding outwards.]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUATION:                                                             Catalyst                             
               Hydrogen peroxide         =        Water     +       Oxygen     

                                                     2H2O2                           =         2H2O      +         O2 

 

 

DESCRIPTION:        The apparatus is set up as shown above. 
                                    10 volume hydrogen peroxide is added slowly to the flask. 
                                    [CARE: If O2 is released too quickly the cork will explode out.]
                                    Oxygen is collected by downward displacement of water.

 

 

PROPERTIES:          Colourless, odourless gas. 
                                    Slightly soluble in water (hence fish can breathe in it). 
                                    Many substances, both elements and compounds,
                                    burn in oxygen (and in air which is one fifth oxygen).

 

 

TEST:                       Oxygen relights a glowing splint.

 

  Junior Science Department: Loreto College, Coleraine.