Definition

Noun: A Kipp's apparatus is a piece of laboratory equipment designed to generate a gas continuously through the chemical reaction between a liquid and a solid, without the need for external heating. It is most commonly used to produce hydrogen sulfide gas.

Usage

The Kipp's apparatus is used in chemistry laboratories to provide a controlled, on-demand supply of a specific gas. Its unique design allows the reaction to start and stop as needed by controlling the contact between the solid reactant and the liquid reactant.

Examples

• In the experiment, the chemist used a Kipp's apparatus to generate a steady stream of hydrogen sulfide for the qualitative analysis.
• The Kipp's apparatus on the bench contains iron sulfide and hydrochloric acid to produce the required gas.
• For safety, always ensure the Kipp's apparatus is set up in a fume hood when in use.

Advanced Usage

• Principle of Operation: The apparatus typically consists of three vertically stacked globes. The solid (e.g., iron(II) sulfide) is placed in the middle globe. The liquid (e.g., dilute acid) fills the bottom globe and rises into the middle globe when the gas outlet tap is closed, initiating the reaction. Opening the tap releases gas pressure, causing the liquid to drain back and stop the reaction.
• Historical Context: It is named after its inventor, Petrus Jacobus Kipp, a Dutch pharmacist.

Variants and Related Words

• Gas generator: A general term for any apparatus that produces a gas from a chemical reaction.
• Kipp generator: An alternative name for the Kipp's apparatus.

Synonyms

• Gas generator (specific to this design and function)

Notes

This term refers specifically to the classic three-bulb design. While other setups can generate gases, they are not called a Kipp's apparatus unless they follow this particular continuous-flow design principle.

Noun

1. a laboratory apparatus for producing a gas (usually hydrogen sulfide) by the action of a liquid on a solid without heating