Ace the BMAT 2025 – Unleash Your Biomedical Superpowers!

The glowing splint test is a well-established method for detecting the presence of oxygen gas. When a glowing splint—a piece of wooden stick, typically a matchstick that has been extinguished but remains hot—is introduced to a sample of oxygen, it reignites or flares up. This reaction occurs because oxygen supports combustion, making it essential for burning processes. The test is effective because the glow indicates that there is enough oxygen present to reignite the splint, confirming its presence.

In contrast, the popping test involves placing a small sample of hydrogen gas in a container to listen for a characteristic 'pop' sound, indicating hydrogen rather than oxygen is present. The flame test is generally associated with identifying certain metal ions based on the color of the flame produced when they are heated, rather than indicating the presence of gases like oxygen. The carbonate test is focused on detecting carbonates through the evolution of carbon dioxide gas when an acid is added, which is not related to the detection of oxygen.