Q&A for How to Make Hydrogen (Science Experiment)

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  • Question
    How do I make a hydrogen balloon?
    Community Answer
    Use a normal balloon, and collect the hydrogen using the instructions above.
  • Question
    Is there a way to avoid it reacting to oxygen?
    Community Answer
    Try to separate the cathode and the anode as far from each other as your container allows you. You can use something similar to a test tube to collect the hydrogen. The best way to do this and obtain the purest hydrogen is to submerge the tube in your container so it fills with water, hold it upside down above the anode and catch the hydrogen. When your test tube is full of hydrogen (which can take a while) you can carefully remove the tube from the water, still holding it upside-down. Now you can use it as you please.
  • Question
    How can I produce H2 with homemade materials?
    Community Answer
    Hydrogen (H2) can be made with a simple homemade apparatus called a voltmeter by electrolysing water (H2O).
  • Question
    What can I use instead of a beaker?
    Community Answer
    You could use a coffee mug or a glass jar. They will work well; just make sure you separate the positive and negative wires and make sure they don't touch.
  • Question
    Muriatic acid and hydrochloric are very dangerous. Is there something safer that can be used as a substitute to hydrochloric acid?
    Community Answer
    Provided you wear the proper safety equipment, HCI is safe to use. But if you are really concerned, then regular vinegar can be reacted with magnesium metal to make hydrogen gas. The reactions will likely be slower though.
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