Question

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water & oxygen according to the following reaction.

2H2O2 → Water + Oxygen

Based on the law of conservation of mass, which could be the product of the reaction?

(1 point)
Responses

2H2O + O2
2H2O + O2

4H2O + 2O2
4H2O + 2O2

H2O + O2
H2O + O2

2H2O + 2O2

Answer 1

To analyze the reaction and apply the law of conservation of mass, we need to make sure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

The decomposition reaction of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) can be represented as:

\[ 2 \text{H}_2\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2 \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{O}_2 \]

Let’s check the mass balance:

- **Reactants:**
- 2 H₂O₂ contains:
- 4 H atoms
- 4 O atoms

- **Products:**
- 2 H₂O contains:
- 4 H atoms
- 2 O atoms
- O₂ contains:
- 2 O atoms

Now adding the products together:
- Total H atoms in products: 4 (from 2 H₂O)
- Total O atoms in products: 2 + 2 = 4 (2 from 2 H₂O and 2 from O₂)

The number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the equation, satisfying the law of conservation of mass.

Now, let's evaluate your options:

1. **2H2O + O2** - This matches the balanced equation.
2. **4H2O + 2O2** - This does not match because it would imply that four water molecules and two oxygen molecules are produced, which is incorrect.
3. **H2O + O2** - This does not match because it would imply only one water molecule and one oxygen molecule are produced, which is incorrect.
4. **2H2O + 2O2** - This does not match because it would imply two water molecules and two oxygen molecules are produced, which is incorrect.

The correct product of the reaction is:

**2H₂O + O₂** (as this satisfies the law of conservation of mass).