Science and chemistry are popular with both kids and grown ups.Making your own hydrogen is a great way to entertain an audience.Pure hydrogen gas can be made from water and acids.You can use electricity to remove hydrogen gas from water.Many acids will react with metals such as aluminum and generate hydrogen gas, making them even easier to use.It is important to remember that hydrogen gas can explode.
Step 1: Water can be put into a container.
Plastic or metal should not be used for this.You will be running an electric current through the water.If you touch the container, metal will conduct this current.Start with one cup of water.Producing too much hydrogen can be dangerous.The experiment should only be done with a responsible adult.Adding salt to the water will help conduct the electrical current.
Step 2: There is a power source.
While large-scale hydrogen production requires a lot of energy, this experiment can be done with little input.The water can be split into hydrogen and oxygen with a 9V battery.Multiple batteries in series can be used to strengthen the effect.The experiment should be done under a hood or outside with a portable power supply.You should still wear rubber gloves if you are shocked by a battery.
Step 3: A paper clip is needed to connect each terminal of the battery.
This will create a negative paper clip and a positive one.Wrap the paper clips around the battery terminals.
Step 4: The paper clips should be submerged.
When you put the paper clips in the water, the electricity will flow from the anode to the cathode.Oxygen and chlorine gas will be produced by hydrogen bubbles at the anode.Don't touch the paper clips together.
Step 5: Put aluminum foil in a beaker.
Put pieces of aluminum foil into a beaker.A lid or cap on a container could result in an explosion.It is not necessary to measure the amount of aluminum used.The aluminum foil could be torn into pieces about the size of a thumb.
Step 6: The beaker needs to beventilated.
You can do this experiment under a hood.Hydrogen gas is very dangerous.Hydrogen gas can explode if it is exposed to the air.The Hindenburg is an example of a hydrogen gas explosion.
Step 7: Add hydrochloric acid.
It is not necessary to measure the amount of hydrochloric acid used.The chlorine in the acid will cause the aluminum to form aluminum chloride.The formation of hydrogen gas will result from this.If you need more hydrochloric acid, start with two ounces.
Step 8: The hydrogen can be collected using a balloon or bottle.
The collection vessel should be placed over the opening of the reaction beaker.The hydrogen gas is denser than air and will move into your collection vessel.The upward movement of hydrogen gas is demonstrated by blowing up a balloon.
Step 9: When the paper clips are releasing gas, don't collect hydrogen.
Hydrogen gas can explode if it comes into contact with oxygen.When the paper clips are still emitting gas, don't try to collect hydrogen since it will be a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen.
Step 10: Don't collect large amounts.
You should not store a lot of hydrogen gas.It is difficult to contain and poses a serious safety risk.You should only do this experiment for fun.