Which Gas Is Known as Laughing Gas? Know This Fun Science Fact!

Dec 12, 2025, 11:42 IST

Laughing Gas refers to Nitrous Oxide (N₂O), a colourless gas with a slightly sweet smell used mainly in medicine for pain relief and mild anesthesia. It gets its nickname because it can cause light-headedness and laughter when inhaled in controlled conditions. The gas is non-flammable, dissolves easily in water, and is also used in the food industry and scientific research. This student-friendly article explains its properties, uses, and interesting facts to help learners score better in exams.

Understanding the world of gases is an important part of science, and school students often come across interesting questions in their exams and quizzes. One such popular question is: Which gas is known as Laughing Gas?
This question appears in science chapters, competitive exams, Olympiads, and GK quizzes, making it important for every student to remember. In this article, we explore the answer, its properties, uses, and why it is known by such a funny name. Everything is explained in a clear and simple way to help students learn quickly.

Which Gas Is Known as Laughing Gas?

The gas known as Laughing Gas is Nitrous Oxide (N₂O).
It is a colourless gas with a slightly sweet smell and taste. Nitrous oxide is commonly used in the medical field for pain relief and mild anesthesia.

Why Is Nitrous Oxide Called Laughing Gas?

Nitrous oxide got the nickname “Laughing Gas” because when people inhale it in a controlled medical environment, it can cause:

  • Light-headedness

  • A feeling of relaxation

  • Uncontrollable laughter

These effects led to the name “laughing gas,” and since then, the name has become popular in textbooks and science discussions.

Properties of Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)

To help students understand better, here are some important properties of Nitrous Oxide:

  • Chemical formula: N₂O

  • Colour: Colourless

  • Odour: Slightly sweet

  • Nature: Non-flammable

  • Solubility: Easily dissolves in water

  • Effect on humans: Causes mild anesthesia and euphoria

These simple points make it easy to revise before exams.

Uses of Laughing Gas in Daily Life

1. Medical Use: Nitrous oxide is widely used by doctors and dentists for:

  • Pain relief

  • Minor surgeries

  • Dental treatments

It helps patients stay calm and reduces discomfort.

2. In the Food Industry: Laughing gas is used in whipped cream canisters to create foam and volume.

3. In Research: Scientists use nitrous oxide in laboratories for experiments, chemical studies, and environmental research.

Is Laughing Gas Safe?

Yes, nitrous oxide is safe when used under proper medical supervision. Doctors carefully control the amount given to patients. However, inhaling nitrous oxide without supervision can be harmful and should never be done.

Interesting Facts About Laughing Gas for Students

  • Nitrous oxide was discovered in 1772 by Joseph Priestley.

  • It became famous during the 1800s as a “party entertainment gas.”

  • Today, it is an important gas in healthcare and science.

  • It does not make everyone laugh, but it may cause giggles in some people.

These fun facts make the topic memorable for school exams.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is the gas known as Laughing Gas, and it plays a major role in medicine, science, and the food industry. For students, this is an important science and general knowledge topic that often appears in exams. Understanding why it causes laughter, where it is used, and its basic properties makes learning both easy and interesting. With this knowledge, students can answer confidently and score higher in their school tests and competitive exams.

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Apeksha Agarwal
Apeksha Agarwal

Content Writer

Apeksha Agarwal, a passionate and aspiring journalist, is dedicated to delivering impactful stories and insightful reports. As an education beat writer, she focuses on providing well-researched and engaging news content. Apeksha's strong foundation in journalism and media is complemented by her creativity, dedication, and attention to detail. Her goal is to inform and inspire audiences through meaningful narratives while continuously adapting to the ever-changing media landscape. She can be reached at apeksha.agarwal@jagrannewmedia.com.

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