What is another way to test for hydrogen and oxygen; other than the burning splint test?
My teacher gave us the hint of- Universal Indicator
To test for the presence of hydrogen and oxygen using universal indicator, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by preparing a test tube with the unknown gas in question. The gas could potentially be a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen.
2. Add a few drops of universal indicator solution to the test tube. Universal indicator is a pH indicator that changes color based on the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
3. Observe the color change that occurs in the universal indicator solution. In the case of hydrogen and oxygen, the color change will indicate the presence of these gases.
4. Hydrogen has no effect on the universal indicator, so there will be no color change if hydrogen is present in the gas mixture.
5. Oxygen, on the other hand, will cause the universal indicator solution to turn from blue to purple.
So, if there is a blue to purple color change in the universal indicator solution, it suggests the presence of oxygen. If there is no color change, it suggests the absence of hydrogen.
However, it's essential to note that this test is not as specific and controlled as the burning splint test. The burning splint test is a more definitive way to identify hydrogen gas as it causes a distinct popping sound when ignited. Therefore, in cases where accuracy is crucial, the burning splint test is still preferred.