Making Mini-Hindenburgs
Introduction
The Hindenburg was the largest airship (blimp) ever built. It had a record of 54 successful flights. However,
what people remember most about the Hindenburg is its tragic end at Lakehurst, New Jersey. On May 6, 1937,
the hydrogen-filled Hindenburg burst into flames as the pilot attempted to land it. Thirty-six people were killed
while horrified onlookers watched. The exact cause of the explosion was never determined, but the
Hindenburg disaster essentially ended wide-scale development and use of airships.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9HfjWaqwOM
Why was the Hindenburg filled with hydrogen? Would another gas have been better? In this lab, you
will make hydrogen gas and investigate its properties so that you can answer these questions.
Pre-Lab Discussion
1. Why should hydrochloric acid (HCl) be handled with extreme care?
2. What is the appropriate response to an accidental HCI spill on the table, on your hands, in your eyes?
3. Predict what will happen when the flame is held near the bubbles of gas produced in this
investigation? On what information is this prediction based?
Question
What properties of hydrogen prevent its use in modern-day airships?
Materials
Chemical splash goggles
Test-tube rack and test tubes
Hydrochloric acid (HCI), 4.0 M
Balance
Microfunnel
Laboratory apron
Granulated zinc
Bubble solution
Matches or Lighter
Wooden splint
Safety
Wear goggles and lab apron at all times during the investigation. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is corrosive. Wash any
spills with plenty of cold water and notify the teacher. Tie back loose hair and clothing when working with a
flame.
Procedure
1. Put on goggles and lab apron.
2. A micro funnel was made by using the scissors to cut off the top of the plastic mircopipet bulb. Insert
the micro funnel into the one-hole rubber stopper as shown and set aside.
3. Use the wide bottom solid funnel to transfer about 1g of granulated zinc in a test tube. Place the test
tube in the test-tube rack.
4. Carefully pour 5 mL of 4.0 M hydrochloric acid (HCI) into the test tube and immediately put the rubber
stopper on the test tube so hydrogen does not escape except by way of the micro funnel. Record
observations in Table 1.
5. Place 5-10 drops of bubble solution into the micro funnel, as shown in the figure below. Record
observations in Table 1.
6. Light the wooden splint and carefully bring the flame close to the bubbles rising from the micro funnel.
Record observations in Table I. (If generation of gas slows or ceases, extinguish the flame. Remove the
stopper and add more zinc and HCI. )
7. Discard any remaining liquid from the test tube into the liquid waste container provided by the teacher. Rinse
any remaining solid zinc into the solid waste container using a water bottle. “NO ZINC IN THE SINK!!”
8. Clean all lab ware thoroughly and return it to the designated location.
9. Clean the lab station and remove safety goggles and apron. Wash hands thoroughly.
10. Caution: The product in the test tube, zinc chloride (ZnCl2), is a severe skin irritant. Avoid direct contact.
If it spills or splashes occur, wash the area with plenty of water.
Table I. Observations
Observations
Step 4. Zinc with hydrochloric acid
Step 5. Bubble solution in micro funnel
Step 6. Flame held near bubbles
Analysis
1. What evidence in this investigation suggests that a chemical reaction has taken place? (Interpreting
data)
2. What chemicals are used to produce hydrogen gas (H2) in this investigation?
3. Based upon the data, what properties of hydrogen are demonstrated in this investigation? (Hint: Why
did the bubbles float in the air?) (Making inferences)
4. Find hydrogen (H) on the periodic table. Explain why it is separated from the other Group 1A (1)
elements?
5. What purpose did the bubble solution serve? (Making inferences)
Conclusions
1. Propose a reason why hydrogen gas was used to fill the Hindenburg? (Evaluating)
2. What other gas would have been a better choice for inflating the Hindenburg? Explain. (Making
judgments)
3. Explain why this investigation is entitled “Making Mini-Hindenburgs”? (Developing models)
4. Why would it be dangerous to do this investigation on a larger scale where a large quantity of
hydrogen is generated in a short time? (Making predictions)
5. Why is it considered unsafe to dispose of granular zinc in the sink? What possible chemical reaction
could occur and what possible negative outcomes could result?
Report requirements for this lab:
1. A neat and organized copy of Table 1 including observations.
2. Responses to Pre Lab, Analysis, and Conclusion questions written neatly in complete sentences.
3. Neatly written is acceptable, typed is also acceptable.