Title: Relationship between concentration of potassium iodide and the decomposition of

hydrogen peroxide

Research question: How does changing the concentration of 10ml potassium iodide
solution affect the rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide at 12% at room
temperature(20 °C - 25 °C)

Word count: 2213

Candidate number: LGT369

Table of contents

Backround information- 2
Justification of research question- 2

Scientific context- 2

Research question- 4

Hypothesis- 5

Variables- 5

Methodoligy- 7

Uncertainties- 8

Equations- 9

Apparatus and chemicals- 9

Data collection and presentation- 12

Observation and qualitative data- 12

Raw data- 12

Processed data- 21

Sample calculations- 21

Investigation of processed data- 31

Conclusion- 31

Evaluation- 32

Further investigation- 33

Bibloography- 34

Backround information

H₂O₂ decomposes into H₂O and O₂ gas, with this process producing reactive oxygen species

(ROS) from uneven splitting of H₂O₂. These ROS are hydroxyl radicals (•OH), singlet oxygen

(O₂), and superoxide anions (O 2−¿¿), are highly reactive due to their unpaired electrons and high

1
energy states (Nathan and Cunningham-Bussel). Leading them to react with chromophore

molecules responsible for stains as they oxidise disrupting their structure and breaking them

down, making the stains colorless or decomposed (“McGill University”). However, the

decomposition of H₂O₂ is slow, causing many chemists to involve a catalyst to speed up the

process (“Decomposing Hydrogen Peroxide - Department of Chemistry, University of York”).

Researching various catalysis directed me towards the relationship between the concentration

of potassium iodide (KI) as a catalyst and the rate of H₂O₂ decomposition. My hypothesis is

that increasing concentrations of KI will accelerate the reaction rate, causing more formation of

ROS leading consequently to whiter teeth.

Justification of research question

Brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste which contains fluoride: NaF (PubChem) wont

achieve white teeth as it cannot change the natural colour of teeth or remove surface stains

(Kyaw et al.). Curios as to how to whiten teeth after becoming an IBDP chemistry student, the

moment to answer this question arose. After researching teeth whitening, uses hydrogen

peroxide(H₂O₂), commonly found in whitening toothpaste and strips. Leading me to question

the chemical reaction: How exactly does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth?

Scientific context

Chemical Process and Reaction Mechanism

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes according to the reaction:

2H₂O₂ > 2H₂O + O₂

During the reaction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed from uneven splitting.

Hydroxyl radicals (•OH) H ₂O ₂→ 2 OH

2
Singlet oxygen (O₂)

−2
Superoxide anions (O₂) O ₂+ e−¿→ O ¿

These highly reactive species are produced due to the uneven splitting of H₂O₂ molecules.

ROS are highly reactive due to their unpaired electrons and high energy states leading them to

react on chromophores, which are molecules responsible for the color of stains(“McGill

University”). By oxidizing these chromophores, ROS break down their structure, leading to

decolorization or degradation of the stain (Nathan and Cunningham-Bussel). Called oxidative

bleaching, a teeth whitening process used in dentistry.

Role of potassium iodide as a catalyst

−¿¿
−¿→ HOI +O H ¿
H ₂O ₂+ I

Potassium iodide (KI) is one of the catalysts that can be used in the decomposition of hydrogen

peroxide. KI dissociates to form iodide ions (I⁻), which interact with H₂O₂ to form hypoiodous
−¿¿
acid ( HOI ) or hydroxide ions (O H )

−¿+ H ₂ O +O ₂ ¿
HOI + H ₂ O → I

These intermediates such as HOI react with another H₂O₂ molecule and regenerate I −¿, H ₂ O ¿
−¿¿
and O ₂ allowing the reaction to continue without the consumption of KI. Displaying that the I

works as the real catalyst due to it being regained at the end of the reaction. This catalytic cycle

speeds up the reaction rate, producing more ROS for faster whitening.

Kinetics of the Reaction

3
The rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide depends on the concentration of H₂O₂ and the

catalyst (KI). The reaction rate can be expressed by the rate law:

rate=k ¿

Where k is the rate constant being reliant on temperature and the nature of the catalyst KI

m and n are the orders of the reaction with respect to H₂O₂ and KI. With the values being

determined experimentally and may be unaffected by stoichiometric coefficients “the number

written in front of atoms, ions and molecules in a chemical reaction to balance the number of

each element on both the reactant and product sides of the equation.” (“Stoichiometry and

Balancing Reactions”). m and n indicate how different concentrations of KI and H₂O₂ will affect

the reaction rate. If the values were 1 then its first order showing a linear rate for m and n

respectively and 0 means no effect on rate. Different m and n values would be reflected in the

slow step. This experiment will investigate how the concentration of the catalyst affects the rate

of decomposition by the formation of O₂

Research question:

How does changing the concentration of 10ml potassium iodide solution affect the rate

of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide at 12% at room temperature(20 °C - 25 °C)

Hypothesis:

I predict that increasing the concentration of potassium iodide (KI) will increase the rate of

hydrogen peroxide H₂O₂ decomposition to a certain extent before it plateaus after which the

4
increase in KI concentration will have no effect. As increasing KI concentration increases it

increases the number of iodide ions in the solution that can react. More iodide ions means more

regular collisions between H₂O₂ molecules and iodide ions increasing the probability of

successful collisions which release energy decomposing H₂O₂. Enhancing the rate of reaction

as there are more successful collisions per unit time. However KI concentration increasing

causes a surplus of iodide ions leading to them limiting the reaction as H₂O₂ now becomes the

limiting reagent. Creating a saturation limit or even a diminishing return. Higher rate of reaction

increases the probability of uneven splits of H₂O₂ producing more ROS, forming a whiter

appearance of the teeth from increased efficiency in breaking down the chromophores in stains.

Variables

Independant variable:

Different pre-prepared concentrations of potassium iodide (KI) solution were tested to find the

most efficient concentration (0.4mol dm³, 0.8mol dm³, 1.2mol dm³, 1.6mol dm³, 2mol dm³).

Using five different pre-prepared concentrations increased data range and repeats reducing

human errors in recording data. Pre-prepared concentrations and a wider range of comparable

data reduced uncertainty when analysing the relationship of concentration and decomposition

strengthening the acceptability of my conclusion. To ensure the collection of data was reliable,

volume of O₂ was recorded in five seconds intervals until sixty seconds was achieved.

Dependant variable:

Rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, measured by the volume of O₂ gas produced. As

seen in the equation of decomposition of H₂O₂ following the theory of reactants creating

products O₂ produced means H₂O₂ decomposing. By measuring the formation of O₂ over five

second intervals and dividing O₂ gas by time taken the rate of decomposition of H₂O₂ can be

calculated.

5
Controlled Concentration of H₂O₂ - H₂O₂ determines the rate of decomposition and

Variables O₂ gas produced. If concentration changes, different reaction rates would

occur decreasing the reliability when analysing the relationship of potassium

iodide (KI) concentration on the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

Keeping a constant concentration of H₂O₂ (12%), removes any differences

in the reaction rate when KI concentration changes, rather than H₂O₂

concentration fluctuating.

Volume of H₂O₂ - The amount of H₂O₂ is 5ml for each trial being key

because it determines the total amount of reactants created. If the volume of

H₂O₂ changed between trials, the amount of oxygen gas produced would

differ because there is varying reactant decomposition. KI concentration will

also be affected which may influence H₂O₂ decomposition. A constant

volume of H₂O₂ ensures the reaction is being tested under equal conditions,

with reliable and accurate comparisons between trials with different KI

concentrations.

Volume of KI used in each trial - Another important factor is the amount of

catalyst (KI) in the reaction as it influences the rate of H₂O₂ decomposition.

Keeping constant volume allows for the isolation of the effect of KI

concentration on decomposition. This was done by measuring 10ml of with

calibrated pipettes. Ensuring that the only factor altering the reaction rate is

6
 the concentration of the catalyst.

Gas syringe used for experiment - As the decomposition of H₂O₂ is being

measured with O₂ gas a syringe will need to be attached to record its

formation. So a conical flask connected with a tube is required for a closed

system.

Temperature - Fluctuating temperatures influences the kinetic energy of the

molecules and their collisions per unit time for the minimum activation

energy to bre reached. Ensrung temperature will remains at room

temperature will prevent any large fluctuations in the data.

Methodology

Rate will be measured by collecting and measuring the formation of O₂ gas over a 60 second

time period inside a gas syringe formed from the rate of decomposition of H₂O₂ at 12% when

catalyst by KI at various concentrations at 10ml. Utilising a conical flask where the H₂O₂ and KI

react connected to a bung with a delivery tube attached to the gas syringe where the amount of

O₂ gas is measured and held in place by a stand.

Uncertainties

Calculating uncertainties is important for comparing data later on, to help notice any

experimental errors. Noticing errors will also provide me with a stronger conclusion due to

increased transparency in my findings boosting the validity of the argument.

7
 Visual stimuli
For recording the time human errors must be

taken into account with the reaction time to visual

stimuli being “180-200ms” or 0.18-0.2

seconds(Jain et al.) I will use the upper bound

when taking time into account to accomodate a

wider percentile.

Gas syringe
The syringe having ±1 ml = 1c m3 is the value I

will use in further calculations of O₂ produced

over the three trials while accounting and

disregarding any results that were anomalies to

improve the accuracy of my data analysis.

Measuring cyclinders Cylinders have an uncertainty of ±0.2ml for when

measuring out the KI and H₂O₂ which will be

taken into account for the rate of reaction.

Equations:

Maximum = Highest value in selected data

Minimum = Lowest value in selected data

Δ t = change in time (seconds)

8
Δ (O ₂)uncertainty = uncertainty for O₂

k = the rate constant

n = the reaction order in respect to KI

Range=maximum−minimum

Range
Uncertainty =
2

Δ(O ₂) uncertainty
Uncertainty ∈rate=
Δt

Note: any anomalies will be presented with * and are not included in calculations

Apparatus and chemicals

Apparatus

Conical flask (1x)

Pipettes (2x)

Measuring cylinders (2x) ±0.2ml

Gas syringe (1x) ±1ml

Stopwatch (1x)

9
Cork with delivery tube (1x)

Chemicals

Potassium iodide (0.4mol dm³, 0.8mol dm³, 1.2mol dm³, 1.6mol dm³, 2mol dm³ - 10ml

Hydrogen peroxide solution 12% - 5ml

1. Preparation

Prepare KI solutions of five concentrations (0.4mol dm³, 0.8mol dm³, 1.2mol dm³, 1.6mol dm³,

2mol dm³) of 10ml in fifteen seperate measuring cyclinders. Measure 10 ml of H₂O₂ 12%

solution with a measuring cylinder fifteen times. Now sterilize the conical flask to minimize other

reactions taking place.

2. Reaction Setup

Pour 2mol dm³ concentrate of potassium iodide solution into the conical flask, after this pour in

your H₂O₂ 12% solution. When H₂O₂ is added, immediately seal the flask with the bung

connected to the delivery tube in the gas syringe setup to collect the oxygen gas produced

during the reaction. Begin the five second intervals on the stopwatch immediately as the KI

solution is added.

3. Data Collection:

Measure the volume of oxygen gas at every five second intervals using the stopwatch until sixty

seconds. Record the data in a table notating the volume to integrals, its repeat number and the

KI concentration. Repeat each decomposition of H₂O₂ at each concentration three times to

ensure more reliable results with consistency.

10
 4. Controlled Conditions:

To control the temperature of H₂O₂ and KI across trials the system was sealed and placed with

additional insulation around the experiment area to stay within room temperature. After each

experiment I fully collapsed the gas syringe to remove any excess gas remaining within to

remove any errors in recording data. Follow the same proceedures with 0.4mol dm³, 0.8mol

dm³, 1.2mol dm³, 1.6mol dm³ of potassium iodide.

Risk assessment - Table 1

Hazards Precautions

Corrosive H₂O₂ to skin/eyes Goggles, gloves and lab coat worn

during experiment

Inhaling H₂O₂ vapour Avoid direct inhalation and allow

ventilation

Gas syringe breakage Appropriate syringe size and monitor

pressure

Damaged glassware Careful handling and inspection of

glassware

Contact with KI on skin/eyes Goggles, gloves and lab coat worn

during experiment

Chemical spills Clean spills instantly with absorbent

materials

11
Data Collection and Presentation

Observations and qualitative data:

● Solution transitioned from colourless to yellow after 60 seconds

● Bubbles formed in solution after adding H₂O₂ indicating the decomposition of H₂O₂

started and O₂ was being formed

● Conical flask was hot to touch after 60 seconds indicating that heat was released during

the reaction

Raw data tables

KI concentration 2mol dm³ - Table 2

Time O₂ O₂ O₂ Mean O₂

produced(±1ml) produced(±1ml) produced(±1ml)

- Trial 1 - Trial 2 - Trial 3

0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

5 0.00 3.00 3.00 2.00

10 3.00 6.00 8.00 5.67

15 5.00 10.00 14.00 9.67

12
20 10.00 15.00 19.00 14.67

25 18.00 20.00* 26.00 21.33

30 25.00 23.00* 33.00 27.00

35 32.00 29.00* 39.00 33.33

40 43.00 36.00* 47.00 42.00

45 51.00 43.00* 54.00 49.33

50 58.00 47.00* 58.00 54.33

55 64.00 53.00* 62.00 59.67

60 75.00 62.00* 71.00 69.33

13
*Stopwatch error in interval timing may have led to inaccurate reading and notation of data,

explaining the anomalies being under the mean.

KI concentration 1.6mol dm³ - Table 3

Time O₂ O₂ O₂ Mean O₂

produced(±1ml) produced(±1ml) produced(±1ml)

- Trial 1 - Trial 2 - Trial 3

0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

5 0.00 4.00 4.00 2.67

10 3.00* 11.00 15.00 9.67

15 7.00* 17.00 20.00 14.67

20 12.00* 27.00 24.00 21.00

25 19.00* 36.00 38.00 31.00

30 28.00* 45.00 46.00 39.67

35 37.00* 54.00 58.00 49.67

40 45.00* 64.00 65.00 58.00

45 52.00* 71.00 74.00 65.67

50 65.00* 79.00 79.00 74.33

55 74.00* 85.00 86.00 81.67

60 81.00* 91.00 92.00 88.00

14
*Stopwatch error in interval timing may have led to inaccurate reading and notation of data,

explaining the anomalies being under the mean.

KI concentration - 1.2mol dm³ - Table 4

Time O₂ O₂ O₂ Mean of

produced(±1ml) produced(±1ml) produced(±1ml) O₂

- Trial 1 - Trial 2 - Trial 3

0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

5 0.00 3.00 8.00 3.67

10 5.00 6.00 16.00* 9.00

15
15 8.00 11.00 21.00* 13.33

20 10.00 16.00 28.00* 18.00

25 18.00 25.00 37.00* 26.67

30 26.00 32.00 47.00* 35.00

35 35.00 40.00 58.00* 44.33

40 45.00 50.00 66.00* 53.67

45 53.00 59.00 75.00* 62.33

50 64.00 67.00 82.00* 72.00

55 74.00 77.00 91.00* 80.67

60 84.00 84.00 99.00* 89.00

16
*Slightly differing amounts of KI or H₂O₂ in the reaction could have caused a faster reaction to

occur, leading to the anomaly of higher O₂ produced than mean.

KI concentration - 0.8mol dm³ - Table 5

Time O₂ O₂ O₂ Mean of O₂

±0.2s produced(±1ml) produced(±1ml) produced(±1ml)

- Trial 1 - Trial 2 - Trial 3

0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

5 0.00 3.00 2.00 1.67

10 6.00 4.00 4.00 4.67

15 8.00 7.00 4.00 6.33

20 12.00 14.00 6.00 10.67

25 18.00 19.00 9.00* 15.33

30 23.00 24.00 13.00* 20.00

35 31.00 35.00 19.00* 28.33

40 38.00 41.00 24.00* 34.33

45 43.00 44.00 31.00* 37.67

50 51.00 53.00 36.00* 46.67

55 57.00 62.00 43.00* 54.00

60 61.00 67.00 49.00* 59.00

17
*Reaction may have not fully reacted as abnormal data is under the mean O₂ produced, may be

caused by a side reaction.

KI concentration - 0.4mol dm³ - Table 6

Sample calculation: O₂ mean in KI conc 0.4mol dm³ at 10 seconds - Data from table 6

Σ (4 +4 +3)
=3.67 ml
3

Time O₂ O₂ O₂ Mean O₂

produced(±1ml) produced(±1ml) produced(±1ml)

18
 - Trial 1 - Trial 2 - Trial 3

0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

5 3.00 4.00 2.00 3.00

10 4.00 4.00 3.00 3.67

15 4.00 4.00 3.00 3.67

20 6.00 5.00 4.00 5.00

25 7.00 7.00 4.00 6.00

30 7.00 11.00* 4.00 7.33

35 8.00 17.00* 7.00 10.67

40 9.00 23.00* 12.00 14.67

45 11.00 26.00* 15.00 17.33

50 13.00 31.00* 19.00 21.00

55 18.00 37.00* 22.00 25.67

60 23.00 40.00* 25.00 29.33

19
Processed data:

To calculate the rate of decomposition I will use the means of each concentration against the

time taken. All mean oxygen values are in ml=c m 3 displayed in the table and graph with their

uncertainties. Afterwards I will calculate the initial reaction rates for the varying KI conc’s using

the mean of O₂ against the 0-5 seconds to calculate the tangent. Displaying the data in a table

which will be included in a graph with initial reaction rates / KI concentration. Using this data I

will find the reaction order in respect to KI.

Sample calculations

O₂ mean uncertainty KI 0.4mol dm³ at 10 seconds - Data from table 6

Range=maximum−minimum

Range
Uncertainty =
2

20
4−3=1

Δ(O ₂) uncertainty
Uncertainty ∈rate=
Δt

1
=¿0.5
2

Initial reaction rate 0.4mol dm³ - Data from table 7

Δ O₂
Initial reaction rate=
Δ time

3 ml−0 ml 3 ml
= =0.6 ml /s
5 s−0 s 5s

Initial reaction rate uncertainty

1ml
=0.2 ml /s
5s

21
KI 0.4mol dm³ - Uncertainty calculated from table 6

Table 7

Time O₂ mean - Uncertainty

±0.2s 0.4 molar of mean O₂

±1ml

0.00 0.00 0.00

5.00 3.00 1.00

10.00 3.67 0.50

15.00 3.67 0.50

20.00 5.00 1.00

25.00 6.00 1.50

30.00 7.33 3.50

35.00 10.67 5.00

40.00 14.67 7.00

45.00 17.33 7.50

50.00 21.00 9.00

55.00 25.67 9.50

60.00 29.33 8.50

22
KI 0.8mol dm³ - Uncertainties calculated from table 5

Table 8

Time O₂ mean- Uncertainty

±0.2s 0.8 molar of mean O₂

±1ml

0.00 0.00 0.00

5.00 1.67 1.50

10.00 4.67 1.00

15.00 6.33 2.00

20.00 10.67 4.00

25.00 15.33 5.00

30.00 20.00 5.50

35.00 28.33 8.00

40.00 34.33 8.50

45.00 37.67 6.50

50.00 46.67 8.50

55.00 54.00 9.50

23
60.00 59.00 9.00

24
KI 1.2mol dm³ - Uncertainties calculated from table 4

Table 9

Time O₂ mean- Uncertainty

±0.2s 1.2 molar of mean

±1ml O₂

0.00 0.00 0.00

5.00 3.67 4.00

10.00 9.00 5.50

15.00 13.33 6.50

20.00 18.00 9.00

25.00 26.67 9.50

30.00 35.00 10.50

35.00 44.33 11.50

40.00 53.67 10.50

45.00 62.33 11.00

50.00 72.00 9.00

55.00 80.67 8.50

60.00 89.00 7.50

25
KI 1.6mol dm³ - Uncertainties calculated from table 3

Table 10

Time O₂ mean- Uncertainty

±0.2s 1.6 molar of mean O₂

±1ml

0.00 0.00 0.00

5.00 2.67 2.00

10.00 9.67 6.00

15.00 14.67 6.50

20.00 21.00 7.50

25.00 31.00 9.50

30.00 39.67 9.00

35.00 49.67 10.50

40.00 58.00 10.00

45.00 65.67 11.00

50.00 74.33 7.00

55.00 81.67 6.00

60.00 88.00 5.50

KI 2mol dm³ - Uncertainties calculated from table 2

26
Table 11

Time O₂ mean- Uncertainty

±0.2s 2 molar of mean O₂

±1ml

0.00 0.00 0.00

5.00 2.00 1.50

10.00 5.67 2.50

15.00 9.67 4.50

20.00 14.67 4.50

25.00 21.33 4.00

30.00 27.00 5.00

35.00 33.33 5.00

40.00 42.00 5.50

45.00 49.33 5.50

50.00 54.33 5.50

55.00 59.67 5.50

60.00 69.33 6.50

Relationship between KI concentration and rate of decomposition - Table 12

27
KI concentration - 10 ml ±0.2ml Initial reaction rate ml/s ± 0.2ml/s

2mol dm³ 0.4ml/s

1.6mol dm³ 0.534ml/s

1.2mol dm³ 0.734ml/s

0.8mol dm³ 0.334ml/s

0.4mol dm³ 0.6 ml/s

When looking over the data the amount of O₂ produced went against my original expectations,

as the highest amount of O₂ produced was at 1.6mol dm³ producing an anomaly within the

experiment. With 1.2mol dm³ having a higher reaction rate than 2mol dm³ I suspect it may be for

28
three reasons. The first being a side reaction occurring within the system as the bung had to be

removed in between testing so various gasses could have entered. Explaining why the reaction

may have been less due to some reactants being used up unknowingly. Second reason being

saturation levels nearing 1.2mol dm³ for 5 ml of H₂O₂ caused saturation leading to a diminished

formation of product. Lastly the reaction may have occured before the bung was put in place

causing escaped gas from the conical flask.

Table 13

KI (mol dm³) Rate (ml/s) Log ([KI]) Log (Rate)

0.400 0.600 -0.398 -0.222

0.800 0.334 -0.097 -0.476

1.200 0.734 0.079 -0.134

1.600 0.534 0.204 -0.272

2.000 0.400 0.301 -0.398

To determine the reaction order I will use the equation of the rate law Rate=k ¿ and plot it into

a straight line giving me the reaction order = n . This would provide the relationship between the

rate of decomposition and concentration of KI.

y=log(rate)

x=log([ KI ])

m=n(slope of the line)

29
c=log(k )intercept

log (rate)=log(k )+ n× log([ KI ])

−0.222−(−0.476) 0.254
n= = =−0.843
−0.398−(−0.097) −0.301

Interpretation of processed data

A negative value of n means that increasing the concentration of KI will decrease the rate of

reaction. The rate is proportional to ¿ as KI concentration increases, the reaction rate

decreases. This order may be due to the oversaturation of iodide ions as too high of a

concentration for 10ml of hydrogen peroxide causes too many reactants that cannot create

sufficient energy when colliding in the solution. Higher concentrations of KI cause iodide ions to

bond with H₂O₂ molecules decreasing the reaction rate as this creates intermediates or side

reactions causing H₂O₂ to become the limiting reagent. These intermediates or side reactions

from excessive iodide ions delay the regeneration of active catalytic species. Evident as the

decreasing rate of decomposition of H₂O₂ explained by the lower rate of reaction measured by

O₂ formation.

Conclusion

Theorizing that higher concentrations means a faster rate of reactions was correct to a certain

extent, noticeable in the graph of table 12 as KI 2mol dm³ produced less O₂ gas than 1.2mol

dm³ when decomposing H₂O₂. Potentially due to the high negative n value of -0.834 noticeable

as above 1.2mol dm³ the rate decreased with less O₂ produced over an equal time frame.

30
Litarary values of n value of KI is 0.9837(“Chemistry HL IA IB”) which is first order the expected

outcome compared with my experimental values being -0.834 this may due to some systematic

errors or miscalculations.

Its possible that my concentrations of KI were not accurate even though pre-prepared or my

H₂O₂ was contaminated or O₂ gasses escaped too quickly before the bung was applied.

However this possibility did match my hypothesis and was unexpected to occur in a small

experiment. Its effectiveness could be transferred into toothpaste with micro doses such as the

amounts tested within the experiment of 10 ml and 5 ml with nearing levels of saturation that

could positively boost the performance of whitening teeth for consumers.

Evaluation

Possible error Explanation of error Suggestions for

improvements

Keeping track of time and Having to recognize the 5 Utilising a data logging device

volume simultanously second intervals on the to record O₂ gas

(Random error) stopwatch and then read the automatically, preventing any

O₂ measured on the gas human error while recording

syringe led to time lags in data.

data noted, increasing data

uncertainty

Temperature wasnt kept Performing this within my Keeping the solution within a

constant (20-25) classroom lab prevented from water bath to enure a stable

31
 (Systematic error) monitoring the temperature environment while also

impacting the rate of reaction monitoring it with an

on H₂O₂ thermometer for fluctuations

to flag outlying data

3 repeats instead of 5 Only 3 repeats could be 3 repeats were standard to

(Systematic error) performed due to time gain concondant results

contraints however more trials allows for

more concordant and precise

results

Time lag of placing bung in Fitting the bung inside the Utilising a dropping funnel

conical flask conical flask was a difficult with a side arm flask for

(Systematic error) task as I had to place it in mixing without any delays,

immediately after adding the having a partner to assist the

H₂O₂ solution, the reaction closing of the bung

may have occurred before immediately would prevent

placing the bung reducing O₂ any erros.

gas collected affecting rate of

reaction

Further investigation

To extend this investigaiton, I can explore the effects of multiple catalysts on hydrogen peroxide

to understand how they effect H₂O₂ decomposition while determining any inhibitory effects.

Analysing the catalysts further by changing the pH of solutions to influence the reaction rate to

determine if its pH-dependant.

32
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“‌ Chemistry HL IA IB.” Cliffsnotes.com, 2024, www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/9040678.

Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

“‌ Decomposing Hydrogen Peroxide - Department of Chemistry, University of York.”

York.ac.uk, 2025,
www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/about/schools/chemrev/projects/peroxide/#:~:text=As%20an
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