Demonstrations

Oxygen Liberation

Code Number :	10A10.20?
Disclaimer:	Reprinted by permission of Dick Berg, University of Maryland, for use on this website. The demonstrations contained and referenced herein are listed for the purposes of cataloging and describing physics demonstrations which should be conducted only under the direction of a trained instructional support professional or physicist. These demonstrations are not presented for the purpose of being conducted by persons unconnected to this Facility and/or persons not consulting with or being supervised by the recognized instructional support professional or physicist and his/her staff. The University is responsible only for those demonstrations carried out using its own equipment using established safety and scheduling policies, and bears no responsibility for those choosing to use this source material for their own purposes. All demonstrations described and contained herein are public domain, and can also be found in reference materials in libraries, bookstores, and electronic sources. Further information regarding legal liability in use of demonstrations and labs will be found on the web site Injuries in School/College Laboratories in USA. The University of Iowa Disclaimers: University of Iowa Disclaimer All Rights Reserved..
Condition :	Good
Principle :	Oxidation - Reduction
Area of Study :	Chemistry
Equipment :	30 percent Hydrogen Peroxide, Manganese Dioxide, Bunsen Burner, Matches, Mortar and Pestle, Ring Stand, Catch Pan, Towels, Dishwashing Liquid, 1000 ml Beaker.
Procedure :	Pour the bottle of 30 percent hydrogen peroxide into the beaker. Do not get this on exposed skin as this is a strong oxidizer and will produce burns. Crush some manganese dioxide into a powder with the mortar and pestle. THIS WILL BE DIFFICULT. Add a generous amount of soap to the hydrogen peroxide . When ready add a small amount of the catalyst (manganese dioxide) to the beaker of liquid. A great amount of gas filled bubbles will be liberated . The rate of reaction may be enhanced by warming the solution with the Bunsen burner. NOTE : The Hydrogen Peroxide must be fresh as it does break down over time. Biochemistry Stores is my usual supplier. The reaction is: Mn0₂ 2H₂0₂ -------------> 2H₂0 + O₂ (gas)

References

Tik Liem, "The Rising Suds," Investigation to Science Inquiry, pp. 154.

#96, "Helper", Janice VanCleave's 204 Sticky, Gloppy, Wacky and Wonderful Experiments.

Vladimir Haensel and Robert L. Burwell, Jr., "Catalysis", Scientific American, Vol. 224, # 7 to 12, 1971, p. 46.

Mail Questions and Comments to: Dale Stille