The Ultimate Guide to Making Elephant Toothpaste: A Fun Science Experiment
Have you ever heard of elephant toothpaste? If you haven’t, it’s a fun science experiment that produces an impressive foamy reaction, resembling toothpaste fit for an elephant!
If you’ve been wanting to know how to make this fun experiment at home, you’re in the right place! This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make elephant toothpaste and help you understand the science behind the reaction.
Step-by-step Instructions
Before we get started, here are the materials you will need to make elephant toothpaste:
- 1/2 cup of 20-volume hydrogen peroxide
- 1 tablespoon of dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons of warm water
- Squirt of dish soap
- Food coloring (optional)
Step 1: Pour 1/2 cup of 20-volume hydrogen peroxide into a bottle or plastic container
Step 2: Add a squirt of dish soap to the container and mix it gently
Step 3: If you want to add color to your elephant toothpaste, add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture and stir it until well combined
Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of dry yeast with 3 tablespoons of warm water. Stir the mixture until the yeast is fully dissolved
Step 5: Add the yeast mixture to the container with the hydrogen peroxide mixture and boom! Watch the reaction happen
Step 6: You can keep adding more hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, or food coloring to the container to keep the reaction going longer.
Now that you know the steps let’s dive into the science of how it works.
Experiment-based
Elephant toothpaste is a demonstration of the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water. When the yeast is added to the hydrogen peroxide mixture, it acts as a catalyst and helps to speed up the decomposition process.
The reaction produces a large amount of oxygen gas, which rapidly expands the soap and creates the foamy reaction, resembling the appearance of toothpaste suitable for an elephant. The reaction is exothermic, which means that it produces heat as a byproduct, and the foam is warm to the touch.
The elephant toothpaste reaction was discovered in 1960 by two chemists, John Dolan and Edward Bochniarz, while they were working at the Chemical Department of the California Institute of Technology. The experiment has continued to be a favorite of science experimenters all over the world.
Historical evolution
The discovery of elephant toothpaste owes much to the research done by chemist Richard Wolffenstein. He experimented with the reaction between potassium permanganate and hydrogen peroxide and noted the large amount of foam produced in the reaction.
Years later, in 1960, John Dolan and Edward Bochniarz added soap and food coloring to the reaction and created the first elephant toothpaste, which has since evolved to become the colorful experiment we know and love today.
The experiment has gained popularity in recent years thanks to social media platforms like YouTube, where science enthusiasts and content creators have demonstrated it to millions of viewers.
Safety Tips
When making elephant toothpaste, it’s important to note that hydrogen peroxide is a hazardous chemical and should be handled with care. Ensure that you’re working in a well-ventilated area and that you’re using 20-volume hydrogen peroxide (6% solution).
The mixture can become quite warm during the reaction, so it’s essential to use protective gloves and to keep children away from it. Try not to touch the foam as it may cause skin irritation, and do not ingest the mixture.
Using the context of a story
Imagine you’re on a family vacation and have forgotten to pack your toothpaste. All the surrounding stores are closed, and you’re left with no choice but to create toothpaste on your own. Fear not! This is where elephant toothpaste comes in.
You gather your family members and explain the science behind the experiment. Soon enough, you’re alchemists in training, and after each of you has added your unique touch to the mixture, there’s an explosion of foam in the container. You can scoop out the foam and generously apply it to your toothbrush to provide everyone with fresh and minty teeth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating elephant toothpaste is a simple yet exciting science experiment that you can make at home with readily available materials. We hope this article has provided you with a clear and concise guide on how to make it while also expanding your knowledge of the science behind the reaction.
