Creating the Squeaky Pop

Hydrogen was generated by reacting a metal, such as magnesium, with hydrochloric acid.

The gas produced was collected in a test tube. To test for hydrogen, a lit splint was

carefully d- brought to the mouth of the test tube. The presence of hydrogen gas is

confirmed by a squeaky pop sound, which occurs because hydrogen combusts rapidly with ox-

with oxygen. Safety precautions. Safe- uh, several safety precautions were essential.

Safety goggles, for example, were worn to protect eyes from acid splashes. The test tube was

angled away from the face because it could pre- it could, uh,

cause an injury from sudden ignition. Only a small amount of gas was tested to reduce the risk