Test for Hydrogen

To perform the test for hydrogen, you’ll need a test tube containing the gas sample you want to test. After this, you can follow these steps:

PERSONALISED 1-TO-1 TUTORING

Need more help on this topic? Get 1-to-1 support

Get support with clear explanations, practice and feedback (Ages 5 to 16).

  • DBS-checked tutors
  • Flexible times
  • Parents can be updated

Want an ad-free experience? Subscribe to remove ads

1. Remove the bung from the test tube.

2. Hold a burning splint at the opening of the test tube.

3. If the gas in the tube is hydrogen, you will hear a distinctive “squeaky pop” sound as soon as the hydrogen ignites.

The sound is produced by the combustion of hydrogen with oxygen, which is ignited by the heat energy from the flame.

A burning splint being inserted into a test tube filled with hydrogen. The word "POP" appears next to it to indicate the sound produced.

You’ve used 1 of your 10 free revision notes for the month

Sign up to get unlimited access to revision notes, quizzes, audio lessons and more

Sign up