Elephant toothpaste is a classic science demonstration that creates a giant foaming reaction. It is formed by the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of household dish soap. The key ingredients and materials needed to make elephant toothpaste are:
Ingredients:
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Dishwashing soap
- Catalyst: can be yeast solution (dry yeast in warm water), potassium permanganate (dissolved in a small amount of water), manganese dioxide, or potassium iodide
Materials:
- Empty plastic bottle
- Warm water
- Liquid food coloring (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Safety glasses
- Large tub or tray to catch the foam, or outdoor location to do the experiment
It is important to wear safety glasses when doing this experiment since hydrogen peroxide can irritate your eyes. The elephant toothpaste will bubble up out of the bottle, so it is recommended to do the experiment in a tray or tub (or outside) so it is easy to clean up all the foam.
The positive aspect of elephant toothpaste is that it is a fun and engaging science experiment that can be done with simple household items. However, it is important to note that hydrogen peroxide can be harmful to the body, so it is important to handle it with care and follow safety precautions.
