Question

Explain the function of hand wash soap in the decomposition of H2O2

Answer 1

Answer:

It is very important to add soap to the H2O2 before adding the KI. The soap controls (slows down) the reaction. If no soap is added, hot H2O2/H2O will be spewed from the graduated cylinder.

Answer 2

The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide gives potassium hydroxide and iodine.

• Hydrogen peroxide decomposes in addition to KI or potassium iodide.
• This reaction is very fast and produces potassium hydroxide along with iodine gas.
• The reaction is-
• $H_2O_2+2KI\rightarrow I_2+2KOH$
• In this reaction, the product elephant toothpaste spewed up from the cylinder.
• But if we add soap then it decreases the reaction rate and the product does not spew up from the cylinder.