How Do You Test for Oxygen Gas?
Answer – Oxygen supports/enhances all combustion reactions. Therefore, to test for oxygen in a laboratory setting, introduce a glowing splint into the sample of gas. If the splint relights, the gas is oxygen.
Explanation:
Follow the steps below to conduct the glowing splint test for oxygen:
- Light a splint (a 6-inch-long and 6-mm-wide wooden strip) and then blow it out such that it continues to glow. Make sure the splint is not extinguished.
- Bring the splint close to the sample of gas immediately. Place it either close to the mouth of the test tube or all the way in.
- If the splint reignites, the gas is oxygen. The concentration of oxygen in the tube will determine how brightly the splint burns.
Oxygen is a necessity for any combustion reaction to occur; such reactions are always accompanied by the release of light, heat, or sound energy. When exposed to a glowing splint, oxygen promotes its combustion and results in the release of light energy.
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