GCSEChemistryWJECRevision Notes1. Chemical Substances, Reactions & Essential Resources1.2 Atomic Structure & The Periodic TableTesting for Hydrogen Gas

Testing for Hydrogen Gas (WJEC GCSE Chemistry): Revision Note

Exam code: 3410

Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll

Updated on

WJEC ChemistryWJEC Science (Double Award): Chemistry

Testing for Hydrogen Gas

How to test for hydrogen

  • The test for hydrogen consists of holding a lit splint held at the open end of a test tube of gas

  • If the gas is hydrogen it burns with a loud “squeaky pop” which is the result of the rapid combustion of hydrogen with oxygen to produce water

  • Be sure not to insert the splint right into the tube, just at the mouth, as the gas needs air to burn

Diagram to show the squeaky pop test 

Testing for hydrogen gas

A positive result gives a squeaky pop sound

Examiner Tips and Tricks

It is easy to confuse the tests for hydrogen and oxygen.

Try to remember that a ligHted splint has an H for Hydrogen, while a glOwing splint has an O for Oxygen.

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Author
Reviewer
Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator / Senior Marketing Executive

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.

Caroline Carroll

Reviewer: Caroline Carroll

Expertise: Head of Content Delivery

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about delivering high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.