Analysis of Hydrogen Peroxide

Product Details

Does the concentration of hydrogen peroxide deteriorate as it ages? In this advanced-inquiry lab, students design an experiment to determine the percent composition of a common “drug store” bottle of hydrogen peroxide using an oxidation–reduction titration.

Students begin by standardizing a solution of potassium permanganate using ferrous ammonium sulfate. This procedure provides a model for a guided-inquiry activity, during which students design a titration experiment to determine the precise concentration of hydrogen peroxide in solution. Fulfill key learning objectives relating to quantitative analysis, stoichiometry calculations and balancing redox reactions with this great real-world application that also develops science practice skills for collecting and analyzing data and refining measurements.

Complete for 24 students working in pairs. Additional samples of hydrogen peroxide are available separately. Common laboratory equipment is required and available separately. Refill kit includes chemicals and consumable supplies.

2024 CED Alignment:  

Unit 4 - Chemical Reactions  

Topic 4.5 - Stoichiometry 

Description of the Lab  

Through a redox titration with potassium permanganate, students determine the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a commercial solution. The lab reinforces stoichiometry, oxidation-reduction reactions, and data-driven conclusions. 

Learning Objective 

• LO 4.5.A – Explain changes in the amounts of reactants and products based on the balanced reaction equation for a chemical process. 

• LO 4.6.A - Identify the equivalence point in a titration based on the amounts of the titrant and analyte, assuming the titration reaction goes to completion. 

Skills Students Will Learn 

• 5.F – Calculate, estimate, or predict an unknown quantity from known quantities by selecting and following a logical computational pathway and attending to precision (e.g., performing dimensional analysis and attending to significant figures). 
  In this lab: Students calculate peroxide concentration from titration results and stoichiometry. 

• 6.B – Support a claim with evidence from experimental data. 
  In this lab: Students use titration outcomes to support a claim about product concentration or label accuracy.