I introduced into a jar of the capacity of 20 cubic inches, containing
11 cubic inches of nitrous oxide, over mercury, a small quantity of
fine iron wire twisted together, and having affixed to it a particle
of cork. On throwing the focus of a burning glass on the cork, it
instantly inflamed, and the fire was communicated to the wire, which
burnt with great vividness for some moments, projecting brilliant white
sparks. After it had ceased to burn the gas was increased in volume
rather more than three tenths of an inch. The nitrous acid tests were
introduced, but no acid appeared to have been formed. On exposing the
gas to water, near 4,2 cubic inches were absorbed: the 7,1 remaining
appeared to be pure nitrogene.
From this experiment it is evident that iron at the temperature of
ignition, is capable of decomposing nitrous oxide; likewise that it
is incapable of burning in it when it contains more than three fifths
nitrogene.
I attempted to inflame zinc in nitrous oxide, in the same way as iron;
but without success. By keeping the focus of a burning glass upon
some zinc filings, in a small quantity of nitrous oxide, I converted
a little of the zinc into white oxide, and consequently decomposed a
portion of the gas.