This demonstration is all about the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. I love that phrase. All it means is we are adding a substance (a catalysist) to the peroxide to help it break down into water and oxygen gas. This reaction is typically known as Elephant’s Toothpaste or Old Foamy when you add some dish soap to catch the oxygen gas that is given off. Interestingly most people use hydrogen peroxide on cuts, but it’s really not all the effective. Check out this New York Times article.
