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ICSE Class 9 Chemistry Question 9 of 55

ICSE Questions Set in Previous Years — Question 9

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Question 9

Give a reason for the following :

Like oxygen, nitrous oxide (N2O) also supports combustion. A glowing splint introduced into a jar of N2O, is rekindled.

Give a chemical test to distinguish oxygen from N2O

Answer

The reason nitrous oxide (N2O) supports combustion and rekindles a glowing splint is that nitrous oxide decomposes on heating into nitrogen and oxygen, which supports combustion.

2N2O ⟶ 2N2 + O2

Chemical test to distinguish Oxygen from N2O :

We can use nitric oxide (NO) to distinguish between nitrous oxide (N2O) and oxygen (O2).

Nitric oxide (NO) reacts with oxygen to produce nitrogen dioxide which can be easily identified by its reddish brown fumes.
2NO↑ + O2↑ ⟶ 2NO2↑ [Reddish brown vapours]

No reaction occurs between nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Hence, the absence of reddish brown fumes indicates nitrous oxide (N2O).