What happens when calcium is inserted in a gas jar of nitrogen.? How will you test the product formed
When calcium is inserted into a gas jar of nitrogen, a chemical reaction occurs. The calcium reacts with nitrogen gas to form calcium nitride (Ca3N2). This reaction can be represented by the following equation:
3Ca + N2 -> Ca3N2
To test the product formed, you can perform the following steps:
1. Carefully remove the calcium from the gas jar using tongs or forceps. It is important to handle calcium with caution as it can react violently with water or moisture.
2. Allow the gas jar to cool down to room temperature.
3. Add a small amount of water to the gas jar, preferably using a dropper or a syringe. Calcium nitride is hydrolyzed by water, producing ammonia gas (NH3) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). The reaction can be represented as follows:
Ca3N2 + 6H2O -> 3Ca(OH)2 + 2NH3
4. Take a piece of moistened red litmus paper or phenolphthalein indicator paper and hold it near the mouth of the gas jar. Ammonia gas is basic in nature, so it will turn red litmus paper blue or phenolphthalein indicator paper pink.
5. Observe the color change on the litmus paper or indicator paper. If it turns blue or pink, it confirms the presence of ammonia gas, indicating the formation of calcium nitride from the reaction before.
It is crucial to ensure proper safety precautions while handling and testing chemicals. Consulting a chemistry teacher or performing experiments under their supervision is always recommended.