When hydrogen peroxide decomposes (breaks down), it gives off oxygen gas and water. As it is an exothermic reaction it also gives off heat. The reaction is:
2 H2O2 → 2 H2O + O2
Under ordinary circumstances, it decomposes very slowly, but potassium iodide can act as a catalyst — making the reaction tremendously fast. If there is some liquid soap mixed in with the hydrogen peroxide, steamy foam will gush out of the container. And the foam looks kind of like big toothpaste, thus the reaction is sometimes called the ‘elephant toothpaste’ reaction. Check it out:
November 7, 2009 at 10:12 pm |
I watched that three times, and each time my mouth dropped at how awesome it is!!
November 12, 2009 at 7:15 pm |
I convinced our science teacher to let us do this on the last day of school!
However….uh, I didn’t tell her what it does….only how to do it! She will be in for a shock!
November 12, 2009 at 10:21 pm |
Ha ha ha ha ha ha. That will be a fun class Maddy.