IGCSEChemistryOxford AQARevision NotesChemical AnalysisIdentification of Common GasesHydrogen

Hydrogen (Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry)

Revision Note

Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Stewart Hird

Test for Hydrogen Gas

  • The test for hydrogen consists of holding a burning splint 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

Testing for hydrogen gas

The diagram shows a lit splint being placed at the neck of a test-tube of gas, and giving a sqeuaky pop sound for the presence of hydrogen
A burning splint 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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    Alexandra Brennan

    Author: Alexandra Brennan

    Expertise: Chemistry

    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.

    Stewart Hird

    Author: Stewart Hird

    Expertise: Chemistry Lead

    Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.