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Oxygen as a Derivitive Experiment



Purpose: Once again Scientific AmeriKen will probe into the vast world of chemistry. This bi-week, the focus will be on Hydrogen Peroxide, and the ability of the catalyst to break this compound down into it's simpler componants, water and Oxygen Gas. In the experiment is successful, it will demonstrate the breakdown process of most compounds.

Hypothesis: It is a theory that Hydrogen Peroxide breaks down as demostrated in the graphic below:
                        
In theory, Hydrogen peroxide is not a stable compound, it will eventually break down into its simpler componants. This experiment will show this using a proposed catalyst of heat to speed up the reaction.

Equipment: This experiment will require a source of heat, Hydrogen Peroxide, a container to heat the Hydrogen Peroxide, and a container to catch the released Oxygen. Also it is suggested that a container with warm water be used to place the heated container into for cooling.

 
 
Procedure: The first step is to pour the Hydrogen Peroxide into the container, and begin heating. Above the heated container will be another container turned upside down to catch the Oxygen gas. After several minutes, place a flame into the supply of Oxygen gas and observe any occurances. Extreme caution is advised when working with fire, in addition to avoiding possible exploding glass. 

Observations: It was observed that when the flame was placed into the upside down container, that the flame began to glow a brighter color but quickly reverted to it's original color, and then melted the container.

Conclusion: Based on the flames reaction, the conclusion of this experiment is that the hypothesis was correct and that oxygen was produced by the catalyst and breakdown of Hydrogen Peroxide. 

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