Final answer:
The balanced equation represents a decomposition reaction, and the mass of H₂O₂ in a 3% solution can be found by multiplying the total mass of the solution (20.0 grams) by 0.03, resulting in 0.6 grams of H₂O₂.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical reaction represented by the balanced equation 2H₂O₂ ⇒ 2H₂O + O₂ is a decomposition reaction because one compound breaks down into two or more products.
Calculating the total mass of H₂O₂ in 20.0 grams of a 3% aquous H₂O₂ solution involves finding 3% of the solution's mass, since '3% by mass' means that 3 grams of hydrogen peroxide are present in every 100 grams of the solution. Therefore, to find the mass of H₂O₂, you can set up the calculation as follows:
Multiply the total mass of the solution by the percentage (expressed as a decimal) of H₂O₂.\
\
\Mass of H₂O₂ = total mass of solution × mass percentage of H₂O₂\
\= 20.0 grams × 0.03\
\= 0.6 grams
The total mass of H₂O₂ in 20 grams of a 3% aqueous solution is 0.6 grams.