Chemical Geyser

The Chemical Geyser shows sudden discharge of water ejected turbulently and accompanied by steam. .

In this experiment we pour potassium permanganate to hydrogen peroxide. This reaction is quick and violent.

Safety First! Adult supervision required. Wear protective eye wear and clothing. Don’t eat/drink your experiments.

Materials and tools required

Chemicals:

• Potassium Permanganate
• Hydrogen Peroxide (50% concentration)

Apparatus

• Conical Flask
• Small Plastic Bowl
• Plastic Bottles
• Glass

Video on the YouTube for experiment

What to do!

Step 1 – Take 500 ml of Hydrogen Peroxide in a conical flask.

Step 2 – Slowly pour this solution in a plastic bottle.

Step 3 – Measure 4 gm of Potassium Permanganate in a small plastic bowl.

Step 4 – Pour all the Potassium Permanganate into the bottle containing Hydrogen Peroxide and quickly step back.

Images for instructions

Working principle of the activity

Chemical geyser is a product of reaction between 50% Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) . It is a very vigorous reaction. Steam (H2O) and Oxygen (O2) are the desired products. The side products includes Manganese(IV) oxide (MnO2) and trace amount of Potassium compound.

H₂O₂ + 2KMnO₄ → 3O₂ + 2MnO₂ + 2KOH + 2H₂O

Liquid hydrogen peroxide has greater energy than liquid water and gaseous oxygen, so it breaks down into a exothermic reaction.

Safety Precautions

• Do it in a well-ventilated area, under a fume hood, or outdoors. There may be a small amount of smoke.
• It’s a good idea to wear protective eye wear and clothing, as for any science demonstration. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics, as they readily melt if exposed to flame. Cotton, silk, and wool are good choices, or you can wear a lab coat.