Hydrogen & Oxygen: Generating, Collecting, and Testing

Background Mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen can explode and release considerable energy. This energy may be used to launch a rocket. A contest will be held to see whose rocket can be launched the furthest. Several variables can be tested, including: the ratio of H2 to O2, the amount of water left in the rocket, the angle of launch, etc. Because this activity will be done on a microscale level, the explosions, although potentially loud, are safe; however, the solutions used can cause serious damage should they come in contact with the eyes. SAFETY GOGGLES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES. Materials needed a 250 mL beaker a test tube labeled H2 generator a test tube labeled O2 generator two one-hole rubber stopper with 1-inch nozzles one cut-off plastic pipet candle and matches 3 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) 3 % hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) potassium iodide (KI) solution zinc (3-5 pieces) tap water one permanent marker a wood splint a wax pencil a ruler

Procedure 1. Put your goggles on; they must remain on throughout the lab. 2. Fill the 250 mL beaker about full with tap water. This will act as a test tube holder, a temperature regulator, and a water reserve during the experiment. 3. Take two test tubes, two stoppers with nozzles, a wood splint, and a cut-off pipet from the front desk. 4. Using a wax pencil, label one test tube H2 generator and the other O2 generator. 5. Using a ruler and the permanent marker, mark increments on the cut-off pipet to show six equal-volume intervals.

6. Add the zinc pieces to the H2 generator test tube. 7. Add enough 3 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) to fill the H2 generator to within 2 cm of the top. Place a stopper on top of the test tube, and set the generator in the beaker of water. Wait 5 seconds before beginning the next step. 8. Light a candle. 9. Fill the cutoff pipet completely full with water, and then place the end of the pipet over the nozzle of the generator to collect the hydrogen gas. 10. Once the pipet bulb has become filled with gas, hold it horizontally with its mouth roughly 1 centimeter from the middle of the flame. AVOID PUTTING THE PIPET DIRECTLY IN THE FLAME; IT WILL MELT AND COULD POSSIBLY BURN. Gently squeeze a very small portion of the contents of the pipet into the flame and observe. Repeat. 1 cm

11. Fill the second test tube (the O2 generator) with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to within 2 cm of the top. 12. Add 6 10 drops of the potassium iodide solution. Place a stopper on top of the test tube, and set the generator in the beaker of water. Wait 5 seconds before beginning the next step. 13. Fill the cutoff pipet completely full with water, and then place the end of the pipet over the nozzle of the generator to collect the oxygen gas. 14. Once the pipet bulb has become filled with O2 gas, light a wooden splint, and allow it to burn for awhile; then, blow it out so that it is only glowing. 15. Squeeze the bulb over the glowing splint to test for oxygen gas. Repeat. 16. With both gases being generated side by side, collect and test different ratios of hydrogen and oxygen. Be as consistent as possible. Try to find the correct ratio of hydrogen to oxygen. Note: if either of the two reactions slows down too much, simply remove the stopper, carefully decant (pour off) the remaining liquid into the sink, and replace it with some fresh solution from the appropriate containers. Replace the stopper, and wait 5 seconds before resuming the collection of gas. 17. Collect the optimum mixture one more time, but leave a small plug of water in the stem of the pipet. Instead of pop-testing it with the flame, take it to the launch pad. 18. The activation energy for the launch will be supplied by your instructor with a Tesla coil. 19. Think of ways to make your rocket go further, and then try them. 20. Dispose of the zinc as directed. DO NOT POUR THE CONTENTS OF THE H2 DOWN THE DRAIN. You may pour the KI and H2O2 down the sink. Return the equipment, wipe the lab station, and then wash your hands.

Name ___________________________________ Class _______ Date ___________________

Hydrogen & Oxygen: Generating, Collecting, and Testing

Data Tables Pop-test properties of hydrogen gas Pop-test properties of oxygen gas Oxygen:Hydrogen Mole Ratio 1:5 2:4 3:3 4:2 5:1 Post-Lab Questions 1. What is the reaction that takes place side the hydrogen generator?

Relative Loudness

2. What is the reaction that takes place side the oxygen generator?

3. There are two reasons for filling the generators so full. Can you think of them?

4. Did you find any combinations that produced no reaction at all? How could that happen?

5. Write a balanced equation for the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

6. What proportion of hydrogen and oxygen produced the most explosive mixture? Why was that mixture most explosive?

7. Why do hydrogen and oxygen in the pipet bulb not react as soon as they mix?

8. What methods did you attempt to make your rocket go further? Which ones worked?