Chapter 16, Problem 56A

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes to water and oxygen gas more rapidly when manganese dioxide is added. The manganese dioxide is not consumed in the reaction. Explain the role of the manganese dioxide.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The role of manganese dioxide in the reaction of hydrogen peroxide decomposes to water and oxygen needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Catalyst is a substance that increases a chemical reaction rate without consumption in the reaction. This is commonly used in manufacturing, as making more of a product rapidly lowers its cost. A catalyst yields no further products and is not used either in the reactants or in the reaction products.

Answer to Problem 56A

Manganese dioxide speeds up the reaction when it is added to the reaction of hydrogen peroxide to produce water and oxygen gas.

Explanation of Solution

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes to produce water and oxygen gas. When manganese dioxide is added to it, the reaction occurs very rapidly without consuming manganese dioxide. This is because manganese dioxide acts as a catalyst.

Conclusion

A catalyst is a substance that enhances the reaction rate without being absorbed when added to a reaction. It increases the rate of the reaction by decreasing the activation energy.