The catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

The reaction Hydrogen peroxide, H 2 O 2, decomposes very slowly. It is kept in the fridge to help slow down the decomposition. When it breaks down, hydrogen peroxide forms water and oxygen: hydrogen peroxide → water + oxygen 2H 2 O 2(aq) → 2H 2 O (l) + O 2(g) The oxygen formed is seen as bubbles of gas.

The reaction can be sped up by adding a catalyst. A: no catalyst B: copper oxide catalyst C: potato D: manganese dioxide E: liver ABCDE

Catalysing the reaction The decomposition can be sped up using a catalyst. In the video, the catalyst is added to hydrogen peroxide that has been mixed with food colouring and a little washing up liquid.