Balance H₂O₂ → H₂O + O₂
2 H₂O₂(aq) → 2 H₂O(l) + O₂(g)
Balance an equation
2H₂O₂(aq)→2H₂O(l)+O₂(g)
Balanced
Atoms on each side
| Atom | As writtenleft : right | Balancedleft : right |
|---|---|---|
| H | 2:2 | 4:4 |
| O | 2:3 | 4:4 |
Check atoms
How to balance it, step by step
- Count the atoms of each element on both sides, as written.
- Start with the biggest formula, H₂O₂: put 1 in front of it.
- H: 2 on the left. Put 1 in front of H₂O (1 × 2 = 2).
- O: 2 on the left, 1 already on the right. Put 1/2 in front of O₂ (1/2 × 2 = 1).
- Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2.
- Check: H 4 = 4, O 4 = 4. Balanced.
What happens
It is a decomposition reaction: one substance breaks down into simpler ones. Hydrogen peroxide slowly breaks down into water and oxygen. Light speeds it up, so it is kept in dark bottles.
Hydrogen peroxide breaking down: quick answers
What is the balanced equation for hydrogen peroxide breaking down?
2 H₂O₂(aq) → 2 H₂O(l) + O₂(g). The coefficients are 2, 2 and 1. Each side then has 4 H and 4 O.
What type of reaction is hydrogen peroxide breaking down?
It is a decomposition reaction: one substance breaks down into simpler ones. Hydrogen peroxide slowly breaks down into water and oxygen. Light speeds it up, so it is kept in dark bottles.
How do you balance H₂O₂ → H₂O + O₂?
Start with the biggest formula, H₂O₂: put 1 in front of it. H: 2 on the left. Put 1 in front of H₂O (1 × 2 = 2). O: 2 on the left, 1 already on the right. Put 1/2 in front of O₂ (1/2 × 2 = 1). Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2. Never change a subscript, because that would change the substance.