AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
The test for hydrogen uses a burning splint held at the open end of a test…
Full specification wording
Test for hydrogen: The test for hydrogen uses a burning splint held at the open end of a test tube of the gas. Hydrogen burns rapidly with a pop sound.
Hydrogen is identified by its reaction with a lit splint.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Hydrogen is identified by its reaction with a lit splint. Collect the gas in a test tube, then bring a burning splint to the open mouth of the tube. Hydrogen reacts rapidly with oxygen in the air, and the sudden combustion produces a sharp pop. The method matters: the splint must be at the open end, not pushed inside, and the tube should hold the gas rather than air. A squeaky pop confirms hydrogen; a glowing splint relighting would indicate oxygen instead. The test is quick and needs only a lit splint, but a very small amount of gas may give a faint pop, so collect enough gas and keep the tube mouth close to the flame.
What earns the marks
- State that a burning splint is held at the open end of a test tube containing the gas.
- Describe the positive result as a pop sound caused by rapid burning of hydrogen.
- Explain that hydrogen burns rapidly because it reacts with oxygen, releasing energy as sound and heat.
- Distinguish this test from the oxygen test, where a glowing splint relights rather than a burning splint popping.
- Note that the splint is not inserted into the tube; it is held at the open end so the gas ignites at the mouth.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying a glowing splint is used for hydrogen.
Put it right: The correct test uses a burning splint, while a glowing splint tests for oxygen.
Pushing the burning splint deep into the test tube.
Put it right: The correct method holds it at the open end so the gas ignites safely at the mouth.
Describing the result as a bang or explosion.
Put it right: The correct observation is a pop sound from rapid burning of a small volume of gas.
Exam tips
- Name both the splint type and its position: burning splint at the open end of the test tube.
- Give the observation precisely as a pop sound, not just 'it burns'.
- If asked to compare tests, contrast the burning splint for hydrogen with the glowing splint for oxygen in one sentence.
Try the lesson
The start of the Test for hydrogen: The test for hydrogen uses a burning splint held at the open end of a test tube of the gas. Hydrogen burns rapidly with a pop sound. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which gas gives a squeaky pop sound when a burning splint is held at the open end of a test tube containing it?
Listen
Hydrogen is identified by its reaction with a lit splint. Collect the gas in a test tube, then bring a burning splint to the open mouth of the tube. Hydrogen reacts rapidly with oxygen in the air, and the sudden combustion produces a sharp pop. The method matters: the splint must be at the open end, not pushed inside, and the tube should hold the gas rather than air. A squeaky pop confirms hydrogen; a glowing splint relighting would indicate oxygen instead. The test is quick and needs only a lit splint, but a very small amount of gas may give a faint pop, so collect enough gas and keep the tube mouth close to the flame. A strong answer earns marks for these points. State that a burning splint is held at the open end of a test tube containing the gas. Describe the positive result as a pop sound caused by rapid burning of hydrogen. Explain that hydrogen burns rapidly because it reacts with oxygen, releasing energy as sound and heat. Distinguish this test from the oxygen test, where a glowing splint relights rather than a burning splint popping. Exam tip: Name both the splint type and its position: burning splint at the open end of the test tube.
See it
Put it in order
Put these steps in the order they happen.
- 1. Hydrogen reacts rapidly with oxygen in the air
- 2. Hold a burning splint at the open end of the test tube
- 3. Collect hydrogen in a test tube
- 4. Pop sound confirms hydrogen
- 5. A pop sound is heard
- 6. Sudden combustion releases energy as sound and heat
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Gas identification
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Combustion reactions
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Experimental technique
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Safety in gas tests
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Gas identification
- Hydrogen is identified by its reaction with a lit splint, with a squeaky pop confirming the gas.
- Combustion reactions
- Hydrogen reacts rapidly with oxygen in the air, and the sudden combustion produces a sharp pop.
- Experimental technique
- The splint must be held at the open end of a test tube of the gas, not pushed inside.
- Safety in gas tests
- The splint is held at the open end so the gas ignites safely at the mouth.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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