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Hydrogen peroxide solution decomposes slowly to form water and oxygen - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science - Question 13 - 2020 - Paper 10
Question 13
Hydrogen peroxide solution decomposes slowly to form water and oxygen. Look at the equation for the reaction. $$2H_2O_2(aq) \rightarrow 2H_2O(l) + O_2(g)$$ This r... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Hydrogen peroxide solution decomposes slowly to form water and oxygen - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science - Question 13 - 2020 - Paper 10
Step 1
Adding MnO2 to the Reaction
Answer
Adding manganese(IV) oxide, (MnO_2), acts as a catalyst in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. A catalyst speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. In this case, the addition of (MnO_2) will lower the activation energy needed for the reaction, thereby increasing the rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. This would enhance the formation of water and oxygen.
Step 2
Observations from Figure 13.1
Answer
In Fig. 13.1, the hydrogen peroxide solution appears to slowly decompose, indicated by the gradual evolution of oxygen bubbles. The introduction of (MnO_2) should lead to a noticeable increase in the rate of bubble production, demonstrating a faster reaction.
Step 3