Question

explain the function of fecl3 in the decomposition of h2o2 . if we would have used 5.0 ml of 3 m fecl3 rather than 4.5 ml of 3 m fecl3 , would it have made any difference in the amount of oxygen gas collected? explain why or why not

Answer 1

FeCl3 acts as a catalyst in the decomposition of H2O2, speeding up the reaction without being consumed. Using more FeCl3 than necessary does not increase the amount of oxygen gas produced, as long as the original amount was sufficient.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), FeCl3 functions as a catalyst. The reaction can be described by the equation: 2H2O2(aq) → O2(g) + 2H2O(l). The catalyst speeds up the reaction by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy, thus increasing the rate at which oxygen gas is produced.

However, since a catalyst is not consumed in the reaction, using 5.0 mL of 3 M FeCl3 instead of 4.5 mL does not change the amount of oxygen gas collected; the excess catalyst would not be used, as long as the original 4.5 mL was sufficient to catalyze the decomposition of all the H2O2 present.