Oxygen production II
To demonstrate the preparation of oxygen at room temperature by the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide solution using a catalyst.
What students learn
The science behind this experiment
This method of preparing oxygen in the laboratory uses a catalyst and takes place at room temperature. Potassium iodide acts as a catalyst on hydrogen peroxide decomposition, giving a more convenient production.
Equipment used
- Iron stand — 5404.51
- Universal clamp — 5416.20
- Right angle clamp — 5401.16
- Conical flask 150 ml — 1322.10
- Rubber stopper, 2 holes — 5450.80
- Dropping funnel — 1359.00
- Right angle bent glass delivery tube — 1468.07
- Test tubes — 1473.60
- Spatula — 5460.34
- Parafilm — 1646.00
Chemicals and reagents
- Hydrogen peroxide, 3% solution (10 volume) — R:34 S:3-28-36/39-45
- Potassium iodide — R:42/43-36/37/38 S:26-38
- Distilled water
Safety notes
- This reaction is very rapid. Do not use hydrogen peroxide solutions of greater concentration than stated in the procedure.
Questions for students
- Record your observations and state what reaction has occurred.
- How can you prove that this gas is really oxygen?
What to expect
<p>As Hydrogen Peroxide comes in contact with potassium iodide bubbles of gas escape from the solution. The potassium iodide catalyzes the hydrogen peroxide decomposition which produces oxygen and water.</p><p>Any of the methods described in the Oxygen production and properties experiment can be used to test for oxygen.</p>
Disposal
Add plenty of water to the conical flask and dispose of the liquid into the liquid wastes container. Dispose of the potassium iodide residues in the solid wastes container.
Run this experiment in your classroom
This experiment is part of the ATP Mobile Lab — a self-contained laboratory that turns an ordinary classroom into a working science lab, with over 200 experiments in physics, chemistry, biology, robotics and engineering. Gali, the AI tutor built into ATP Connect, guides students through each step and answers their questions at the bench.
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