Elephant toothpaste

Elephant toothpaste is a dramatic demonstration of a chemical reaction that produces a large

amount of foam. The reaction involves the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)
into water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂). Here's a breakdown of why it happens:
The Role of Hydrogen Peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an unstable molecule. It naturally wants to break down into
water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂). However, this process is usually slow. Think of it like a bottle
of soda – the carbonation (carbon dioxide) wants to escape, but it's held in by pressure.
The Catalyst: Potassium Iodide (or Yeast):
To speed up the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, a catalyst is needed. In the classic
elephant toothpaste experiment, potassium iodide (KI) is often used. A catalyst is a
substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed itself. The potassium
iodide provides a surface for the hydrogen peroxide molecules to break down more easily,
dramatically increasing the reaction rate. Yeast can also be used as a catalyst; it contains an
enzyme (catalase) that performs the same function.
The Exothermic Reaction:
The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is an exothermic reaction, meaning it releases heat.
This heat contributes to the foaming effect.
The Foaming Agent: Dish Soap:
The dish soap is crucial for the visual spectacle. As the oxygen gas is rapidly produced, the
soap molecules trap the gas bubbles, forming a large volume of foam that spills out of the
container, resembling toothpaste being squeezed from a tube.
In Summary:
The elephant toothpaste experiment demonstrates a rapid catalytic decomposition of
hydrogen peroxide. The catalyst (KI or yeast) significantly accelerates the breakdown of
H₂O₂ into H₂O and O₂, releasing heat and a large volume of oxygen gas. The dish soap
traps the oxygen gas, creating the characteristic foamy eruption. The reaction is both visually
impressive and a great example of how catalysts can dramatically affect reaction rates.
 PRECAUTION

Avoid Clothing Contamination: Wear appropriate clothing that you don't mind potentially
getting stained or slightly wet from the foam.

Controlled Environment: Perform the experiment in a controlled environment, away from

flammable materials. The heat generated can be significant.

Proper Disposal: Dispose of the foam properly after the reaction is complete. Check your local
regulations for disposal of chemical waste. The foam itself is generally harmless once the
reaction is complete, but it’s best to rinse away any residue and dispose of it as you would
other household waste.

Avoid Ingestion: Make sure children and pets cannot access the materials before, during, or
after the experiment. The reaction mixture and foam should not be ingested.

Eye Protection: Always wear safety goggles, not just glasses, for complete eye protection.
The foam's expansion can be forceful.

In Case of Accidents:
• Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and
seek medical attention if irritation persists.
• Skin Contact: Rinse affected skin with water.
• Ingestion: If any materials are ingested, immediately contact a poison control center
or seek medical attention.

By following these precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable elephant
toothpaste experiment. Remember that safety should always be the top priority when
conducting any scientific experiment.
 PROCEDURE into the bottle. Stand back! The reaction
will start immediately.
Materials:
• Empty plastic bottle (16 oz or larger)
Observations:
• Hydrogen peroxide solution (3% -
available at most drugstores) • The mixture will begin to foam and
expand rapidly.
• Liquid dish soap
• The foam will be warm to the touch
• Food coloring (optional)
(exothermic reaction).
• Potassium iodide (KI) or yeast (active dry)
• The foam will continue to erupt until the
• Measuring cup hydrogen peroxide is completely
• Spoons decomposed.

• Safety goggles
Cleanup:

Procedure: • Dispose of the foam carefully, as it may

be slightly warm.
1. Prepare the bottle: Pour about 1/2 cup
of hydrogen peroxide into the bottle. • Rinse the bottle and other materials
thoroughly with water.
2. Add dish soap: Add a few squirts of dish
soap to the bottle.
3. Add food coloring (optional): Add a few Remember: This experiment is a fun and
drops of food coloring to the bottle to give engaging way to learn about chemical
your foam a fun color. reactions. Always follow safety guidelines
and conduct the experiment with adult
4. Prepare the catalyst: If using potassium supervision.
iodide, dissolve about 1 tablespoon in a
small amount of water. If using yeast, mix
1 packet of active dry yeast with 2
tablespoons of warm water.
5. Start the reaction: Carefully pour the
potassium iodide solution or yeast mixture
I. Multiple Choice: Choose the best B. The foam is thick and viscous.
answer for each question. C. The foam is released from a
bottle like toothpaste.
1. What is the main chemical involved in D. All of the above
the elephant toothpaste experiment? 8. What happens to the hydrogen
A. Sodium bicarbonate peroxide during the reaction?
B. Hydrogen peroxide A. It is converted into water and
C. Potassium chloride oxygen.
D. Vinegar B. It remains unchanged.
2. What is the purpose of the catalyst in C. It is consumed by the catalyst.
this experiment? D. It evaporates into the air.
A. To slow down the reaction 9. Why is the elephant toothpaste
B. To provide a source of heat experiment considered as a "dramatic"
C. To speed up the reaction demonstration?
D. To change the color of the foam A. The reaction produces a lot of
3. Which of the following can be used as heat.
a catalyst in the elephant toothpaste B. The foam erupts from the
experiment? container.
A. Baking soda C. The experiment involves
B. Yeast dangerous chemicals.
C. Salt D. Both a) and b)
D. Sugar 10. What is the main takeaway from the
4. What is the gas produced during the elephant toothpaste experiment?
elephant toothpaste reaction? A. Catalysts can speed up chemical
A. Carbon dioxide reactions.
B. Nitrogen B. Exothermic reactions release
C. Oxygen heat.
D. Hydrogen C. Soap can create foam.
5. What is the role of dish soap in the D. All of the above
experiment?
A. To create the foam
B. To neutralize the reaction II. ESSAY (5pts)
C. To add color to the foam
D. To act as a catalyst what role does the catalyst play in the
6. What is the scientific term for a reaction? how does it affect the rate of
reaction that releases heat? the reaction?
A. Endothermic
B. Exothermic
C. Neutral
D. Isothermal
7. Why does the foam resemble
toothpaste?
A. The foam is white and bubbly.