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  • Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in Elephant Toothpaste

Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in Elephant Toothpaste

On the role of hydrogen peroxide in this chemical demonstration experiment
The wonders of chemistry lie in various demonstration experiments, among which the experiments involved in hydrogen peroxide are of unique interest.

Hydrogen peroxide, with a molecular formula of $H_2O_2 $, plays a key role in such demonstration experiments. First, it is the substrate of the reaction. Its properties are active and under appropriate conditions, it is easy to decompose and change. In the experimental environment, hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen spontaneously or with catalytic assistance. The chemical equation of this reaction is $2H_2O_2\ stackrel {catalyst }{=\!=\!=} + O_2 ↑ $. This decomposition change is the basis for subsequent phenomena.

Furthermore, the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is an exothermic reaction. The released heat can accelerate the movement of surrounding substances, increase the frequency of molecular collisions, and promote the increase of the reaction rate, making the overall demonstration process more rapid and significant.

At the same time, the oxidation properties of hydrogen peroxide cannot be ignored. In specific demonstration scenarios, it can oxidize other substances, causing the valence state of substances to rise and fall, causing changes in color and state, enriching experimental phenomena, and enhancing the wonders of chemical changes.

In addition, the oxygen produced by the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide plays an important role in the shaping of demonstration experimental phenomena. The escape of oxygen may cause solution churning and foam surging, creating a unique visual landscape that allows viewers to intuitively feel the power of chemistry.

In short, in such demonstration experiments, hydrogen peroxide dominates the experimental process with the multiple roles of substrate, thermal energy, oxidant, and gas source, presenting the charm of chemistry and inspiring people's desire to explore the chemical world.