The squeaky pop experiment is a typical science lab technique used to test for the presence of hydrogen.When you have hydrogen gas trapped in a container, you can place a lit match near it and it will make a characteristic "squeaky pop" sound when it reacts with the flame.This is an easy method to use if you ever need to test for hydrogen gas.
Step 1: The necessary materials need to be gathered.
You need hydrochloric acid, magnesium strips, a test tube, gloves, and eye protection to create a hydrogen gas.The metal reacts to form hydrogen gas and a metal chloride compound.You only need a small amount of hydrochloric acid.You can buy magnesium strips online.It's important that you wear gloves and eye protection during the experiment.This experiment requires adult supervision.
Step 2: The environment should be created the right way.
The experiment should be performed in a chemistry lab.There should be easy access to safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher.The room should be well-ventilated and open.Don't do this experiment alone in your bedroom.An adult should be around to watch.
Step 3: To use the test tube, add hydrochloric acid.
You need gloves and eye protection to pour hydrochloric acid into a test tube.You don't need a lot of hydrochloric acid, just enough to fit in the bottom of the tube.The acid should be added directly to the water if you are diluting it.Adding the other way around can cause injury.There is an acidic mist when hydrochloric acid is released.
Step 4: A magnesium strip can be added to the test tube.
The magnesium strip should be dropped into the tube.As the metal comes into contact with the liquid, the solution should start to bubble.The hydrogen gas is in these bubbles.The formation of hydrogen can be accelerated by adding more than one strip.
Step 5: Wrap the tube in plastic.
Immediately after adding the metal, place some plastic wrap over the top of the test tube.The rubber band helps keep the hydrogen gas out of the air.The gas will rise to the top of the test tube because it is less dense than the liquid.You can either put your thumb on the test tube or cover it with another.Take at least a minute to build up the amount of gas in the tube.
Step 6: Light a match.
You don't need a match for this, you need something that is lit on fire.If you want, you can use a lighter.As soon as you remove the covering, light the flame source and have it ready to put near the tube.While working with an open flame, adult supervision is essential.
Step 7: The tube has a covering.
Lift the plastic off the top of the tube by removing the rubber band.Proceed immediately after uncovering the tube so you don't let too much of the gas escape.The hydrogen will escape as soon as the covering is removed.
Step 8: The match should be placed at the top of the tube.
Immediately after uncovering the lit match, bring it to the tube.When the flame comes in contact with the gas, it will likely be blown out, but you will hear the characteristic "squeaky pop" at the same time.Caution should be used during this process.You are working with dangerous gasses.You should have adult supervision when you do this.There is not enough gas in the tube if you don't hear the pop.Allow the reaction to go on for a longer period of time.The solution should be bubbling.
Step 9: Dispose of everything in a proper manner.
The test tube has metal in it.The hydrochloric acid should be put in about 4 litres of water.Run some water at the same time while pouring the solution down the drain.Remove the metal from the sink and dispose of it in the trash.If you want to repeat the experiment, you can save the metal and use it again.You should be aware of the regulations for disposing of hydrochloric acid in your region.
Step 10: Learning goals can be created.
The purpose of the experiment is to talk about chemical reactions.An example of metals reacting with acids is shown in this experiment.Students will be able to see how quickly gas is produced with their own eyes.A secondary goal is to discuss lab safety.
Step 11: Discuss what happened.
Discuss how acid reacts with metal.When discussing chemical reactions, you want to talk about how the reactants combine to form the various products.Discuss the products and reactants in the states.The magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid to form hydrogen gas and magnesium chloride.The chemical equation for this experiment is H2(g) + 2 HCl.The hydrogen bound to chlorine is replaced by magnesium in this reaction, which is also known as a single replacement reaction.
Step 12: Discuss the applications of the experiment.
This type of experiment can be used to test for hydrogen gas.If you suspected there was a lot of hydrogen gas present, you wouldn't want to do this test.If you know the experiment is supposed to produce hydrogen, you can use this test to confirm.
Step 13: The experiment should be expanded with other metals.
Students should be given other types of metals such as iron, aluminum, copper, and zinc.The same procedure is used to test for hydrogen gas.Not every type reacts with hydrochloric acid to form a hydrogen gas.Warm the acid a bit for the same experiment.When the acid is warm, more of the metals will react to form hydrogen gas.Discuss the results with your students