What is the burning splint test?

The burning splint test is used to check for the presence of a combustible gas, most commonly hydrogen. To carry out the test, you will first need to collect the gas in a test tube and light a wooden splint. If you hear a squeaky pop sound, then the gas in question is hydrogen.

The pop sound is produced because hydrogen is a highly flammable gas. The burning splint has to be inserted at the base of the test tube because hydrogen is less dense than air. If no hydrogen is present, the burning splint will be extinquished.

Hydrogen gas can be collected over water by upward delivery or by using a gas syringe.