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Activity 1.5 — Heating Lead Nitrate
NCERT Activity 1.5: Heat lead nitrate [Pb(NO₃)₂] in a boiling tube. Observe the brown NO₂ fumes, the yellow PbO residue, and the release of oxygen (rekindles a glowing splint).
How To Perform
1
Add Lead Nitrate
Take a small amount of white lead nitrate crystals in a dry boiling tube.
2
Heat the Crystals
Hold with a clamp, point mouth away, heat over a burner. Perform in a fume hood.
3
Observe Brown Fumes
Watch for: brown NO₂ fumes, yellow PbO residue, and oxygen release.
4
Test for Oxygen
A glowing splint rekindles at the tube mouth — confirms O₂.
⚠️ Safety Notes
- •⚠️ Perform in a fume hood — NO₂ is a toxic, choking gas.
- •Lead compounds are toxic — wash hands after handling, do not ingest.
- •Point the mouth of the boiling tube AWAY from yourself and others.