User:Passavitch/sandbox

Elephant's toothpaste

Theory
Elephant's toothpaste are foams caused by rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, by using potassium iodide (a catalyst). How rapid the reaction will depends on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. This reaction is an exothermic reaction (releases heat).

Chemical Reaction
2 H2O2(aq) --> 2 H2O(l) + O2(g) This shows that hydrogen peroxide breaks down to form oxygen and water which is in the form of foam. This reaction is a decomposition reaction, where hydrogen peroxide breaks down to form other compounds or elements. In normal condition this reaction takes place very slowly, therefore a catalyst is added to speeds up the reaction which will result in rapid formation of foam. Catalyst used in this experiment can be potassium iodide, manganese dioxide and catalase (enzyme from plant)

Description
Add 50 ml of 30% hydrogen peroxide solution to a beaker, add little amount of dish washing detergent to the same beaker. Add 5-10 drops of food coloring of your choice for the colors of the foam. Lastly, add 10 ml of potassium iodide solution to the beaker. This would increase the rate of reaction where the foam started to rapidly form.