Things Required:
Hydrogen peroxide
Raw potato
5-oz paper cup
Directions:
Fill the paper cup one-half full with hydrogen peroxide. Add a slice of raw potato to the cup.
Observe the results. Look specifically for the bubbles of gas.
This Is What Happens:
The bubbles of gas are given off.
Science Behind It:
Raw potatoes contain the enzyme catalase. Enzymes are chemicals found in living cells. Their purpose is to speed up the breakdown of complex food chemicals into smaller, simpler, more usable parts. Catalase from the cells of the potato causes the hydrogen peroxide to break apart quickly into water and oxygen gas.