Acids, bases and salts · Grade 9
The hydrogen balloon
ChemAI · Worksheet
NameClassDate
Aim
Collect the gas from a metal and an acid in a balloon — then light it.
⚠ Never ignite hydrogen in a closed container. Demonstration distance, ear protection.
Before you start: what do you predict will happen? Why?
What you do
| Step | What I observed | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Add magnesium ribbon to the acid: the balloon fills with gas. | |
| 2 | Bring a burning splint to the balloon (Tests → Burning splint). |
Questions
- Write a word or symbol equation for one reaction you observed.
- Explain your most important observation using particles, ions or energy.
- Was your prediction right? What would you change to get a more reliable result?