LAB 5: Elephant Toothpaste

Question 1

what made the foam appear?

Answer 1

the foam appearance is caused by the presence of dish soap

• as the hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with the catalyst (yeast), the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide is sped up, breaking down into oxygen gas and water. The oxygen gas then escapes the liquid and become trapped in the soapy solution created by the dish soap. Foam is formed due to the tiny million oxygen gas bubbles released from the hydrogen peroxide and trapped in the liquid

Question 2

what type of chemical reaction happens in the activity?

Answer 2

decomposition reaction

• 2H202 → 2H20 + O2

Question 3

In normal conditions, how will the reaction take place?

Answer 3

the hydrogen peroxide will still break down into oxygen and water with a release of heat when exposed to light. however, there will be no foam since there is no dish soap present

• the reason why hydrogen peroxide is contained in a dark container, such as the amber glass

Question 4

what made the chemical reaction faster?

Answer 4

the catalyst which is the potassium iodide or the yeast played a big role in speeding up the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide