9
Question Question 9
(a) Name a process by which hydrogen gas is manufactured.
(b) Give equations for the reactions.
(c) How is hydrogen separated from carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide?
(a) Bosch process
(b) Equations for the reactions of Bosch process are:
Production of water gas:
Reduction of steam by water gas:
(c) Hydrogen is separated from carbon dioxide by passing the mixture through water under pressure, where carbon dioxide gets dissolved leaving behind hydrogen. Carbon dioxide can also be separated by passing it through caustic potash (KOH) solution.
2KOH + CO2 ⟶ K2CO3 + H2O
Carbon monoxide is separated by passing through ammoniacal cuprous chloride in which carbon monoxide dissolves leaving behind hydrogen.
CuCl + CO + 2H2O ⟶ CuCl.CO.2H2O
BRIGHT TUTORIALS
BRIGHT TUTORIALS
ICSE Class VIII | Academic Year 2026-2027
9403781999
Excellence in Education
Chemistry | Chapter 8: HydrogenWeb Content / Study Guide
Hydrogen — Interactive Study Guide
Quick Concept Map
HYDROGEN: Lightest element, symbol H, atomic mass 1
PREPARATION: Zn + dil. H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2↑
TEST: Pop test (burns with a pop sound)
PROPERTIES: Colourless, odourless, lightest gas, reducing agent
WATER OF CRYSTALLISATION: Fixed water molecules in a crystal (e.g., CuSO4.5H2O)
PREPARATION: Zn + dil. H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2↑
TEST: Pop test (burns with a pop sound)
PROPERTIES: Colourless, odourless, lightest gas, reducing agent
WATER OF CRYSTALLISATION: Fixed water molecules in a crystal (e.g., CuSO4.5H2O)
Lab Preparation Summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reactants | Zinc granules + Dilute sulphuric acid |
| Word equation | Zinc + Dilute sulphuric acid → Zinc sulphate + Hydrogen |
| Apparatus | Flat-bottomed flask, thistle funnel, delivery tube, gas jar, trough |
| Collection | Downward displacement of water (H2 is insoluble) |
| Drying agent | Concentrated H2SO4 |
| Test | Pop test — burns with a “pop” sound |
Key Reactions of Hydrogen
| Reaction | Word Equation | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Combustion | Hydrogen + Oxygen → Water | Combination |
| Reducing CuO | Copper oxide + Hydrogen → Copper + Water | Redox |
| With chlorine | Hydrogen + Chlorine → Hydrogen chloride | Combination |
| Haber process | Hydrogen + Nitrogen → Ammonia | Combination |
Water of Crystallisation — Key Data
| Common Name | Formula | Colour | H2O Molecules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue vitriol | CuSO4.5H2O | Blue → White (on heating) | 5 |
| Green vitriol | FeSO4.7H2O | Green | 7 |
| Washing soda | Na2CO3.10H2O | White | 10 |
| Gypsum | CaSO4.2H2O | White | 2 |
| Epsom salt | MgSO4.7H2O | White | 7 |
Hydrogen as Clean Fuel
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Highest calorific value (150,000 kJ/kg) | Highly explosive — difficult to store |
| Only product is water — zero pollution | Expensive to produce |
| Can be made from water (renewable) | No fuelling station infrastructure |
| Fuel cells generate electricity directly | Needs very high pressure or low temperature for storage |
Self-Check Questions
- Name the acid and metal used in the lab preparation of hydrogen.
- How is hydrogen gas tested? What is this test called?
- Why is hydrogen called a reducing agent?
- What happens when blue copper sulphate crystals are heated? Is this reversible?
- State two advantages and two challenges of using hydrogen as a fuel.