Hydrogen Peroxide Investigation

Hydrogen Peroxide Investigation

When hydrogen peroxide is added to a piece of fresh potato, bubbles of

gas are seen to form. When a bigger piece of potato is used, a larger

number of bubbles is produced. A possible explanation for this

observation could be that oxygen is produced when hydrogen peroxide is

broken down by the enzyme catalase. A large piece of potato will

contain a higher amount of catalase than a smaller piece and therefore

produces a greater volume of oxygen.

The Task

Design an experiment to show that an increase in the concentration of

catalase affects the volume of oxygen released from hydrogen peroxide.

Hypothesis

I predict that as you add more potato , the concentration of the

catalase increases resulting in an increase of the volume of oxygen

released from hydrogen peroxide.

Apparatus

Potato

Tile- to cut the potato discs

Borer (size 5)- so that the potatoes have a consistent diameter

Scalpel- to cut the potato cylinders into discs

Ruler- to measure the size of potato discs

Hydrogen peroxide

Beaker- to pour the hydrogen peroxide into so that it can be used

safely

Measuring cylinder- to measure the hydrogen peroxide

5 Test tubes (must be the same size so that the experiment is reliable)-

where the reaction will occur

Test tube rack- to put the test tubes in

Marker pen- to mark the test tubes

Gas syringe (with a rubber bung attached to it)- to measure the amount

of oxygen produced

Thermometer- to measure the temperature of hydrogen peroxide

Universal indicator

Goggles and overall

Paper & pen- to record results

Stop watch- to control the length of time the potatoes are in the

hydrogen peroxide before taking a measurement

My independent variable is the amount of potato discs i.e. catalase

that I will use. This will be varied by adding a different number of

potato discs to each test tube.