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rust. Zinc metal is generally regarded as safe.

• Calcium chloride is generally regarded as safe. It
0.1 M calcium chloride is a mild irritant and should be handled with
2 0.1 M sodium carbonate gloves.
• Sodium carbonate is generally regarded as safe.
• Hydrogen peroxide in high concentrations has
several risks. It is explosive, can undergo
hazardous reactions, and is corrosive. In low
hydrogen peroxide
concentrations (3 –8%), it acts as an oxidizing
3 potato [contains an important agent and can be used to clean wounds on skin,
enzyme called “catalase”] as toothpaste (along with baking soda and sa lt),
and to bleach hair (mixed with ammonium
hydroxide).

• Copper in the form of a wire is generally regarded

4 copper wire as safe.

Splint Test
In a lab chemists can use a “splint test” to test for the presence of certain gases.

HOW IT WORKS:
1) A splint (a thin piece of wood) is set on fire. The fire is extinguished so the splint is left “glowing”.
2) The “glowing splint” is inserted in a test tube close to but not touching the chemicals in the test tube.
3) The chemist observes what hap pens to the splint.
a) If the splint ignites, there is a flammable gas like oxygen (O 2) in the test tube. Oxygen gas
feeds fire and causes the splint to ignite.
b) If the splint is extinguished, there is a non-flammable gas like hydrogen (H 2) or carbon dioxide
(CO 2) in the test tube. Hydrogen and carbon dioxide starve fire and cause the splint to go
out.

This video summarizes key points and technique for performing a splint test:
SPLINT TEST VIDEO [5:30] : https://youtu.be/P_gPlbExHv0

CHEM 1701 – Lab 5 Page 2 of 8

Introduction to Bunsen Burners & Safety

The time has come! This is your first lab using a Bunsen burner. Bunsen burners can be fun to use but always
remember...

You are responsible for your safety and the safety of others near you.
There is a zero-tolerance policy for unsafe behavior in the lab.
: