Final answer:
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) spontaneously decomposes to form water and oxygen, releasing heat in an exothermic reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spontaneous decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a chemical reaction where hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water (H₂O) and oxygen gas (O₂). This reaction is exothermic, releasing heat during the process. Under standard conditions, the decomposition of exactly 1 mole of hydrogen peroxide.
From this reaction, oxygen can be observed bubbling up as a gas. The reaction can be accelerated by the presence of a catalyst, such as manganese dioxide (MnO₂), which provides an alternative pathway for the reaction with a lower activation energy, thus increasing the rate of decomposition.
The rate at which hydrogen peroxide decomposes can be indicated by changes in its concentration over time. In practical applications, the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide has been used to provide thrust in the control jets of space vehicles.