Today we split a molecule. This is called decomposition. We had hydrogen peroxide and separated it into water and oxygen. We used a catalyst to cause a chemical reaction to break them apart. The catalyst was potassium permanganate. We explored what both chemicals are and what they are used for.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) - is a naturally occurring substance that can be found in every living thing (including people) as well as in things like snow, rain, lakes, and rivers. We use it for all sorts of things such as bleaching our hair and as a disinfectant.
Potassium permanganate (KMnO4)- is a substance created by scientists. It is used for things such as preserving fruit and treating water.
The reaction was quite spectacular. Because of the heat generated the water escaped in its gas form - steam.
We did a second experiment where we added detergent and water to the same reaction. The detergent trapped the steam and oxygen as it escaped creating lots of bubbles that looked like 'elephants toothpaste'.
There was quite a lot of heat generated (one feature of some chemical reactions). When heat is generated it is called an exothermic reaction.
Here is a video of the reaction.
What a cool experiment. I wish I was there!
ReplyDeleteReally good that we did this outside for the second group! What a cool experiment!
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ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed doing these experiments and I hope we do more in the future.
ReplyDeleteThat looks really cool guys! Sadly I was not there to see it. Can we do it again so I can see?
ReplyDeleteThe funny thing is that someone yelled out, imagine if we did that inside! But my group did do it inside.
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