Test for Oxygen (OCR GCSE Chemistry A, Combined (Gateway Science Suite)): Revision Notes

Oxygen is an important gas that can be produced during chemical reactions, such as in the process of electrolysis. Since oxygen supports combustion, it can be identified using a glowing splint test.

How to Test for Oxygen: The Glowing Splint Test

1. Collect the Gas:

• Capture the gas produced in a test tube during a reaction that might generate oxygen.

2. Prepare the Splint:

• Light a splint and then blow out the flame so that it is just glowing (an ember). This is called a glowing splint.

3. Perform the Test:

• Insert the glowing splint into the test tube containing the gas.

4. Observe the Result:

• If oxygen is present, the glowing splint will relight or reignite. This happens because oxygen fuels the combustion process, causing the ember to burst back into flame.