. Elements of modern chemistry . extin-guished, but still bears a sparkof fire, is relighted, and burnsbrilliantly when plunged into ajar of nitrous oxide (Fig. 63).In the same manner, the combustion of sulphur and phos-phorus is effected with greatenergy in an atmosphere ofthis gas. Equal volumes of nitrousoxide and hydrogen form amixture which explodes on^ the passage of an electricspark or on the applicationof ^O + H^ = H^O -[- N^ 2 2 2 2 volumes, volumes, volumes, volumes. Respiration is a slow com-bustion and may be sustainedfor a few seconds by nitrogenmonoxide. Such inhalationdoe
. Elements of modern chemistry . extin-guished, but still bears a sparkof fire, is relighted, and burnsbrilliantly when plunged into ajar of nitrous oxide (Fig. 63).In the same manner, the combustion of sulphur and phos-phorus is effected with greatenergy in an atmosphere ofthis gas. Equal volumes of nitrousoxide and hydrogen form amixture which explodes on^ the passage of an electricspark or on the applicationof ^O + H^ = H^O -[- N^ 2 2 2 2 volumes, volumes, volumes, volumes. Respiration is a slow com-bustion and may be sustainedfor a few seconds by nitrogenmonoxide. Such inhalationdoes not suffocate but it dis-turbs the functions of thenervous system, producinganaesthesia, and for this pur-pose nitrous oxide is now largely employed by surgeons anddentists. The insensibility is frequently preceded by a stageof intoxication, hence the name laughing-gas, which was givenby Davy. It must be added that these exhilarating effects have notbeen observed in recent experiments upon perfectly pure nitro •gen Fig. 63. NITROGEN DIOXIDE, OR NITRIC OXIDE. 153 NITEOaEN DIOXIDE, OR NITRIC OXIDE. Density compared to air Density compared to hydrogen 15. Molecular weight NO =30. Preparation.—This gas was discovered in 1772 by Hales;it is prepared by decomposing cold, dilute nitric acid by metalliccopper. 3Cu -f 8HN0^ = 3Cu(N0) + 4:W0 + 2N0 Copper. Nitric acid. Cupric nitrate. The copper and water are introduced into a gas-bottle, andordinary nitric acid is added by means of a funnel-tube ; thecopper is immediately attacked and dissolved, forming cupricnitrate (Fig. 64), and at the same time nitric oxide gas is dis-engaged. This gas absorbs oxygen from the air and is con-
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade18, booksubjectchemistry, bookyear1887
