In The Experimental Set Up to Show That “CO2 Is Given Out During Respiration”, Name The Substance Taken in The Small Test Tube Kept in The Conical Flask. State Its Function and The Consequence of Its Use.

Introduction

Respiration is an essential process that occurs in all living organisms, where energy is released from glucose molecules to power cellular activities. This process is characterized by the consumption of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a waste product. The experiment to demonstrate the release of CO2 during respiration involves setting up a system that monitors the production of this gas.

In this article, we will explore the experimental setup to show that CO2 is given out during respiration, the substance used in the small test tube, its function, and the consequences of its use.

Experimental Setup

The experimental setup to demonstrate the release of CO2 during respiration involves the use of a conical flask, a test tube, and a solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The conical flask is fitted with a delivery tube that leads to a test tube containing the NaOH solution. The test tube is then placed in a water bath to control the temperature of the system. The flask is then filled with a small number of germinating seeds or yeast suspension, and the apparatus is sealed with a rubber bung to prevent any gas exchange with the environment.

In this experimental setup, the germinating seeds or yeast suspension are the respiratory substrates that undergo respiration to produce $\mathrm{CO_2}$. The NaOH solution in the test tube is used to absorb any $\mathrm{CO_2}$ produced during respiration. The reaction between $\mathrm{CO_2}$ and NaOH results in the formation of sodium carbonate $\mathrm{(Na_2CO_3)}$, which is a white solid that remains in the test tube.

Substance in the Test Tube

The substance used in the test tube in this experimental setup is sodium hydroxide (NaOH). NaOH is a highly alkaline substance that readily absorbs carbon dioxide. When $\mathrm{CO_2}$ gas is passed through a solution of NaOH, it reacts with the hydroxide ions (OH-) to form bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and water $\mathrm{(H_2O)}$.

$$\mathrm{CO_2\:+\:2NaOH\:\rightarrow\:Na_2CO_3\:+\:H_2O}$$

The sodium carbonate $\mathrm{(Na_2CO_3)}$ formed in the reaction is a white solid that remains in the test tube. This reaction is exothermic, meaning that heat is released during the process.

Function of NaOH in the Experimental Setup

The function of NaOH in this experimental setup is to absorb any $\mathrm{CO_2}$ produced during respiration. The NaOH solution acts as a carbon dioxide sink, preventing the build-up of this gas in the system. This is important because the accumulation of $\mathrm{CO_2}$ can alter the pH of the system, making it less suitable for the respiratory enzymes to function properly.

The use of NaOH in this experiment also allows for the measurement of the amount of $\mathrm{CO_2}$ produced during respiration. The amount of $\mathrm{(Na_2CO_3)}$ formed in the test tube is proportional to the amount of $\mathrm{CO_2}$ produced.

This allows for the determination of the rate of respiration in the system, which can be calculated by measuring the change in the mass of the test tube before and after the experiment.

Consequence of Using NaOH in the Experimental Setup

The use of NaOH in this experimental setup has some consequences that must be considered. Firstly, NaOH is a highly caustic substance that can cause severe burns and eye damage if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. Therefore, appropriate precautions, such as wearing gloves and eye protection, should be taken when handling this substance.

Secondly, the reaction between $\mathrm{CO_2}$ and NaOH is exothermic, meaning that heat is released during the process. This can cause the temperature of the system to increase, which can affect the rate of respiration. To prevent this from happening, the apparatus should be placed in a water bath to control the temperature of the system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the experimental setup to demonstrate the release of $\mathrm{CO_2}$ during respiration involves the use of a conical flask, a test tube, and a solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The NaOH solution in the test tube is used to absorb any $\mathrm{CO_2}$ produced during respiration, preventing the accumulation of this gas in the system, which can alter the pH of the system and affect the rate of respiration.

The use of NaOH in this experimental setup allows for the measurement of the amount of $\mathrm{CO_2}$ produced during respiration, which can be determined by measuring the amount of sodium carbonate $\mathrm{(Na_2CO_3)}$ formed in the test tube. This allows for the determination of the rate of respiration in the system.

However, the use of NaOH in this experimental setup has some consequences that must be considered, such as its highly caustic nature and the exothermic reaction between $\mathrm{CO_2}$ and NaOH, which can increase the temperature of the system. Therefore, appropriate precautions should be taken when handling NaOH, and the apparatus should be placed in a water bath to control the temperature of the system.

Overall, the experimental setup to demonstrate the release of $\mathrm{CO_2}$ during respiration is a simple yet effective way to study this important biological process. Through this experiment, we can gain a better understanding of how living organisms produce energy and how this process is essential for life.