Investigating The Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide

Introduction

 

The object of this experiment is to investigate the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and the factors affecting the rate of the reaction.

 

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes as follows:

H₂O₂(aq) à 2H₂O(aq) + O₂(g)

The reaction is very slow in the absence of a catalyst; in the presence of manganese (IV) oxide, however, the reaction only takes a few minutes.

 

Procedure

1. Weigh out 0.05 g of the manganese oxide using a spatula and balance and place it into a conical flask.
2. Using a measuring cylinder, measure out 25 cm³ of an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide.
3. Fill the 100ml measuring cylinder with water and invert it in the trough.
4. Place the delivery tube so that it enters the bottom of the measuring cylinder.
5. Add the hydrogen peroxide to the conical flask and replace the bung and delivery tube as quickly as possible.
6. Measure and record the time taken for 50ml oxygen to be produced.
7. Repeat with 0.06g, 0.07g, 0.08g, 0.09g of manganese oxide.

 

Equipment list per group

 

250 ml conical flask

Bung and delivery tube

100 ml measuring cylinder

50 ml measuring cylinders

Trough

Stop-watch

Mass balance

Spatula

Manganese oxide powder

10 vol hydrogen peroxide

 

Risk assessment

 

Manganese oxide is harmful. The powder should not be breathed in.

Dilute hydrogen peroxide is an irritant. Gloves should be worn when handling and spills should be cleaned up immediately.

Nice, but do you have an actual question people might help you with?

 

Btw,

 

 

 

H₂O₂(aq) à 2H₂O(aq) + O₂(g)

 

the reaction is not balanced, there should be a 2 in front of hydrogen peroxide.