106 cubic inches, of similar composition, weighed in like manner, gave at the same temperature and pressure nearly 52,25 grains; and in another experiment, when the thermometer was 41°, 53 grains.
So that accounting for the small quantity of common air contained in the gases weighed, we may conclude, that 100 cubic inches of pure nitrous oxide weigh 50,1 grains at temperature 50°, and atmospheric pressure 30,7.
I was a little surprised at this great specific gravity, particularly as I had expected, from Dr. Priestley’s observations, to find it less heavy than atmospherical air. This philosopher supposed, from some appearances produced by the mixture of it with aëriform ammoniac, that it was even of less specific gravity than that gas.[81]
V. Analysis of Nitrous Oxide.
The nitrous oxide may be analised, either by charcoal or hydrogene; during the combustion of other bodies in it, small portions of nitrous acid are generally formed, as will be fully explained hereafter.
The gas that I employed was generated from compact nitrate of ammoniac, and was in its highest state of purity, as it left a residuum of ¹/₃₈ only, when absorbed by boiled water.
10 cubic inches of it were inserted into a jar graduated to,1 cubic inches, containing dry mercury. Through this mercury a piece of charcoal which had been deprived of its hydrogene by long exposure to heat, weighing about a grain, was introduced, while yet warm. No perceptible absorption of the gas took place.[82]
Thermometer being 46°, the focus of a lens was thrown on the charcoal, which instantly took fire, and burnt vividly for about a minute, the gas being increased in volume. After the vivid combustion had ceased, the focus was again thrown on the charcoal; it continued to burn for near ten minutes, when the process stopped.
The gas, when the original pressure and temperature were restored, filled a space equal to 12,5 cubic inches.
On introducing to it a small quantity of strong solution of ammoniac[83], white vapor was instantly perceived, and after a short time the reduction was to about 10,1 cubic inches; so that apparently, 2,4 cubic inches of carbonic acid had been formed. The 10,1 cubic inches of gas remaining were exposed to water which had been long in ebullition, and which was introduced whilst boiling, under mercury. After the absorption of the nitrous oxide by the water, the gas remaining was equal to 5,3.