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Collection of gases Downward displacement of water Suitable for collecting gases which are insoluble in water. e.g.

hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide. Not suitable for hydrogen chloride gas and ammonia gas which are very soluble in water.

UPWARDS DELIVERY A gas which is less dense than air can be collected by upwards delivery. Examples of gases which can be collected by this method are ammonia and hydrogen. A gas jar is connected by a tube to the flask which is giving off the gas.

The less dense gas rises to the top of the gas jar and displaces the air. DOWNWARDS DELIVERY A gas which is more dense than air can be collected by downward delivery. Examples of gases which can be collected by this method are carbon dioxide, chlorine, hydrogen chloride and sulfur dioxide. A gas jar is connected by a tube to the flask which is giving off the gas.

The more dense gas falls to the bottom of the gas jar and displaces the air.

Upward and downward delivery Upward delivery

Upward delivery If a gas is less dense than air, it is often more convenient to collect it in a gas jar or test tube by upward delivery. The gas produced in a chemical reaction is passed through a delivery tube into the gas jar, where it rises and takes up the space at the top of the jar - pushing the air in the jar down, and out at the bottom. This works well for hydrogen and ammonia, which are both less dense than air. The equipment must be used in a fume cupboard when ammonia is collected, because ammonia is harmful and has a sharp, choking smell. Downward delivery

Downward delivery

Collecting gases over water

Sometimes gases are collected over water. The gas produced in a reaction is bubbled through a trough of water and into an upturned gas jar filled with water. The bubbles of gas collect in the top of the gas jar and push the water out of the bottom. If enough gas is produced it completely replaces the water in the gas jar. A glass lid is then slid under the gas jar, which is then removed from the trough of water and turned the right way up.

Collecting a gas over water This works well for insoluble gases such as hydrogen, or gases that do not dissolve easily in water, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. Ammonia and chlorine are readily soluble in water and are not collected this way. Summary - collecting five important gases You need to know how to collect gases produced in reactions by upward and downward delivery, over water and using a gas syringe. You need to be able to explain the method of collection if you are given information about the density and solubility of the gas concerned. The table summarises the ways in which hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ammonia and chlorine may be collected. Note that all these gases may be collected using a gas syringe. Ways to collect gases Hydrogen Oxygen Carbon Ammonia Chlorine dioxide less dense yes than air? upward delivery denser than air? downward delivery solubility very low in water? low yes slightly yes yes low very high yes yes yes yes moderate

Hydrogen Oxygen Carbon Ammonia Chlorine dioxide over water yes yes yes yes

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