ELEPHANT TOOTHPASTE

Today we had our first scientist of the week. We explored the chemical reaction that occurs between hydrogen peroxide (H202) and potassium iodide (KI). When H202 and KI are mixed, the KI acts as a catalyst to break down the H202.. We're left with a few things: water (H20), oxygen (O2), heat, and few other byproducts.  The iodide (I) is the catalyst because it doesn't get broken down. The heat is created because the chemical reaction is exothermic. meaning that heat is a byproduct of the reaction...190 degrees worth of heat to be precise! Check out more details below and thank you to our first scientist for being so knowledgable!

MATERIALS:

100 mL hydrogen peroxide       10 squirts food coloring     
4 counts dish soap       15 mL potassium iodide     
Erlynmeyer flask or other narrow necked bottle     
safety goggles       gloves       outside space

PROCEDURE:

1. Take all the materials outside, put on your gloves, and safety goggles.
2. Measure the hydrogen peroxide and pour it carefully into the flask.
3. Add 10 drops of food coloring...color of your choice. 
4. Add 4 counts of dish soap.
5. Carefully measure and add 15 mL of potassium iodide.  Then step back.

RESULTS:

An exothermic chemical reaction during the breakdown of H202.

Check out Mark Rober and a swimming pool full of elephant toothpaste!