Question

Why is oxygen collected by the downward displacement of water?

Answer 1

• Oxygen is slightly lighter than water and this property of Oxygen is the reason that it is collected by the downward displacement of water.
• Any gas which is lighter than water and does not react with it can be collected by the downward displacement of water.
• Oxygen is only slightly soluble in water. Therefore it can be collected over water without fear of excessive dilution.
• Hence, this is also true in the case of Oxygen.