JAMB - Chemistry (2025 - No. 35)

The gas that is commonly used to demonstrate the fountain experiment is
hydrogen chloride
hydrogen sulphide
dinitrogen(I) oxide
nitrogen(II) oxide

Explanation

Hydrogen chloride (HCl) is the gas commonly used in the fountain experiment because of its exceptionally high solubility in water. When a small amount of water is introduced into a flask filled with HCl gas, the gas dissolves rapidly, creating a partial vacuum.

B. hydrogen sulphide (H\(_2\)S) is not typically used for the fountain experiment. While it has some solubility, it is not as highly soluble as HCl or NH\(_3\), which are necessary for the dramatic effect of the fountain. It is also a toxic gas with a foul odor.

C. dinitrogen(I) oxide (nitrous oxide, N\(_2\)O) and D. nitrogen(II) oxide (nitric oxide, NO) are gases with low solubility in water compared to HCl, and would not produce the significant pressure drop required for a successful fountain experiment.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A.

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