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Elephant toothpaste

A catalyst, hydrogen peroxide and a little detergent: a fountain of foam.

Topic: Reaction ratesGrade: 9Free

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What you do

  1. Add washing-up liquid to tube 2 only.
  2. Now add potassium iodide (the catalyst) to tube 2.
  3. Add potassium iodide to tube 1 (no detergent). What is different?
  4. Hold a glowing splint at a tube: which gas fills the bubbles?

Safety in a real lab

⚠ 12% hydrogen peroxide burns skin and eyes. Gloves and goggles; the foam is hot.

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