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Lesson Overview
This activity allows students to compare the effectiveness of several catalysts in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The activity is meant to illuminate the development of catalysts for the petrochemical industry by several chemists whose biographies appear in Chemical Achievers.
Student Ability Level and Grouping
This activity is suitable for high school students in a general chemistry course, working in pairs.
Expected Student Background and Skills
Students should understand the role of catalysts in chemical reactions before doing this lab activity.
Time and Materials Required
For the demonstration you will need
- 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
- 2 test tubes
- Test-tube rack
- Manganese dioxide
For the lab activity you will need (per lab group)
- 6 small test tubes
- Test-tube rack
- Scoop
- Hydrogen peroxide, 3% solution, 25 mL
- Stopwatch
- Goggles
- Catalysts: manganese dioxide, iron (III) oxide, copper (II) oxide, potassium iodine, and any other transition-metal compounds available
Learning Objectives
In this activity students will
- measure the rate of a catalyzed reaction and compare that rate to the rates of the same reaction using several catalysts;
- apply their knowledge of catalysts in chemical reactions; and
- come to understand the contributions of several chemists whose biographies appear in Chemical Achievers.
National Science Education Standards
Physical Science (grades 9 to 12)
- Catalysts, such as metal surfaces, accelerate chemical reactions.
Classroom activities are provided through the generous support of the Biogen Idec Foundation.