Bubbles of gas should begin to form momentarily. Light a splint and allow it to burn for a few seconds. Shake out the flame so that the splint is glowing. Immediately, remove the lid and insert the glowing splint into the neck of the jar. Replace the lid to collect more gas.
Extensions Write the equation for the reaction occuring in the above experiment.
In 1774 Joseph Priestly first prepared oxygen. Nearly all commercial oxygen is obtained from air or water because of their abundance, availability, cheapness and ease of preparation. However, in this experiment oxygen is produced from the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water. H2O2 loses oxygen when it is exposed to heat or light. Liver can also be used as a catalyst for an interesting twist.