Elephant toothpaste

Question: Determine the compound (X2O2) that decomposes into

elephant toothpaste!
Introduction/Background:
Mole is a SI base unit that is used in Chemistry. It consists of
6.022 x 1023 micro particles such as atoms, molecules or ions.
Molar mass of an element is the mass of 1 mole (6.022 x 10 23
atoms) of an element.
Molar mass of a compound is the mass of 1 mole of the elements
it contains.
6.022 x 1023 is called Avogadro number.
Molar mass and atomic mass only have the similar value but they
are different units. Molar mass is calculated with the Carbon unit
while Atomic mass uses grams.
Molar volume of a gas molecule is the volume of 1 mol of gas
molecule there. It doesn't change if the temperature and pressure
do not change.
Decomposition (or also called analysis) is a chemical reaction
that separates a compound into elements or smaller compounds.
Catalyst is chemical substance that can increase or decrease the
speed of the reaction and stay the same after that reaction.
Elephant toothpaste is a fancy name for this experiment. In
general, it will just release oxygen gas as a product of the
reaction. However, with some extra steps, we can make foam,
and it becomes elephant toothpaste.

Prelab questions:
1. Measure the mass of 80mL of X2O2 using the scale.

2. Is the molarity of the given compound (X2O2) going to be the

same as the one of the elements that are the result of
decomposition (X2O + O2)?
2. Briefly explain how would you determine the missing element.
3. Whats your understanding of moles, do you think you will be
using the Avogadros number in this lab?
Materials:
80 mL of 30% hydrogen peroxide, food coloring, dish soap, 5 g
(teaspoon) of catalyst - dry yeast, graduated cylinder (at least
500 mL), graduated cylinder (50 mL or more)wooden splints and
a lighter, plastic cup/ beaker (to mix the yeast with water),
stirring glass, funnel
Procedure:
1. Place a garbage bag or other covering on the lab table and
possibly on the floor.
2. Wear goggles to protect your eyes.
2. Fill the plastic cup containing 2 teaspoons of dry yeast with
three teaspoons of water. Stir until all the yeast is dissolved. Set
aside.
3. Put on disposable gloves. Pour 80 mL of 30% X2O2 into a
graduated cylinder (500 mL or more).
4. Add about 40 ml of Dawn detergent to X2O2. Swirl to mix.
5. Tilt the graduated cylinder and drip the food coloring down the
sides of the graduated cylinder to make your toothpaste striped
(if possible)
6. Quickly add the solution of yeast and water and stand back. Be
sure to move your hand away from the top of the graduated
cylinder quickly or the hot foam will get on your hand and arm.

7. You may place a glowing splint in the foam to test for oxygen,
but do not drop the splint into the graduated cylinder. The splint
will relight indicating the presence of oxygen.
Conclusion/ Post lab questions:
1. What is released after the decomposition (in big amount)?
2. What do you think the soap was used for in this
experiment?
3. Calculate the molar mass of the given compound (X2O2)
4. Finally, determine the compound (X2O2) that decomposes
into elephant toothpaste! Using the mass of 80mL of X2O2
calculated previously (pre-lab questions) and the molarity of
X2O2 that equals to 1.84.
Extra credit!
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could
chuck wood?