Pressure Point Standard Lab Report Pressure Point Lab
Chemical Decomposition Investigation
Name:
Date:
Essential Question
How does the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide create potential hazards in chemical waste management?
Materials
3% Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
Graduated Cylinder & Beaker
Plastic Bottle with Lid
Thermometer
Safety Protocol
Wear goggles. H2O2 irritates skin. Do not seal the bottle for more than 30s . Point away from people when opening.
1. Hypothesis
Predict the temperature change and pressure build-up:
2. Data Collection
Time (Min) Temp (°C) Observations 0 (Start) 2 Minutes 4 Minutes
3. Temperature Analysis
Plot your temperature data below. Label axes clearly.
Temperature vs Time
4. Conclusion & Safety
Did the reaction release energy (exothermic) or absorb energy (endothermic)? Use evidence from your table.
Identify the gas produced during the H2O2 decomposition. Why is gas build-up dangerous in sealed waste bins?
Pressure Check Quiz Chemical Safety Squad
Pressure Check Quiz
NAME: ____________________
Page 1/3
Instructions: Use your notes and lab data to complete this quiz. Provide complete sentences where required.
Part I: Chemical Fundamentals
1 What gas is produced during the decomposition of H2O2?
A) Hydrogen (H2)
B) Oxygen (O2)
C) Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
D) Nitrogen (N2)
2 Which chemical formula represents Hydrogen Peroxide?
A) H2O
B) H2O2
C) NaOH
D) NaCl
3 In a hot environment, the speed of the decomposition reaction will:
A) Increase
B) Decrease
C) Stay the same
D) Stop completely
Fundamentals & Theory
Part II: Analysis
Page 2/3
Part II-A: True or False
TRUE FALSE
1. The baking soda catalyst is consumed by the end of the reaction.
TRUE FALSE
2. An exothermic reaction is one that releases energy as heat.
TRUE FALSE
3. Trapped gas creates pressure because molecules are hitting the walls.
TRUE FALSE
4. Pressure is only dangerous if the container is made of glass.
Part II-B: Energy Conclusion
"Since the temperature ,
Analysis & Conclusion
Part III: Lab & Case Study
Page 3/3
1 Evidence Interpretation
List two pieces of evidence from your lab that a chemical reaction was occurring.
#1
#2
Case Study: The Mystery Drum
A waste facility finds a 55-gal drum that is swelling and warm . Baking soda is nearby.
2. Explain what is happening inside the drum based on the "swelling" and "heat":
3. Why should a worker NEVER tighten the lid on this specific drum?
Real-World Application
Pressure Point Guided Lab Scout Guided Lab Scout
Experimental Scaffolding Sheet
Name:
Goal: What happens when chemicals mix?
We are investigating chemical decomposition . Our Hydrogen Peroxide is breaking down into water and a gas.
1 Hypothesis
If I mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, then the temperature will increase / decrease because energy is being released / absorbed. I think the pressure will increase / decrease.
2 Observation Log
Before Mixing:
After Mixing:
3 Analysis & Results
1. Describe the gas production:
When the chemicals reacted, I saw bubbles. This shows that a solid / liquid / gas was created. I know this because...
2. Temperature Change:
The temperature went from °C to °C. This is exothermic / endothermic.
Safety Connection
In a waste plant, if we put these in a sealed drum, the drum might burst / shrink / melt because the gas cannot escape / stay / heat.
Pressure Sketch
Draw Bubbles building pressure here
Pressure Check Answer Key Chemical Safety Squad
Quiz Answer Key
Teacher Resource • Page 1 of 2
Pressure Check
Part I: Chemical Fundamentals
Q1. B) Oxygen (O2)
Q2. B) H2O2
Q3. A) Increase
Part II-A: True or False
FALSE Catalysts facilitate reactions but are not consumed in the process.
TRUE Exothermic processes release heat energy to the environment.
TRUE Pressure is caused by molecular collisions with the container walls.
FALSE Pressure can fail any sealed container material (plastic, steel, etc).
Part II-B: Energy Conclusion
"Since the temperature increased / rose, I can conclude that the reaction is exothermic."
Fundamentals Answer Key • Page 1
Part III: Lab & Case Study
Pressure Check
1. Evidence Interpretation:
Look for: Bubbling/Fizzing (indicating O2 production) and Temperature Rise (indicating exothermic energy release).
2. Mystery Drum Analysis:
Liquid peroxide spilled into baking soda. The reaction is decomposition. Oxygen gas is released (causing swelling) and exothermic heat is generated (causing warmth).
3. Explosion Danger:
Tightening the lid seals the drum. Gas volume increases in a fixed space, building pressure rapidly. If pressure exceeds the container's structural strength, a mechanical explosion occurs.
Grading Rubric
Correctness
Chemical formulas (H2O2), gas identity (Oxygen), and reaction type (Exothermic) must be accurate.
Safety Logic
Explanation must link trapped gas volume to pressure build-up and potential structural failure.
Application Answer Key • Page 2
Pressure Point Slides THE PRESSURE PROBLEM
2-Day Chemical Safety Investigation
Day 1: The Discovery
The Setup
100mL Hydrogen Peroxide
Initial Temperature Check
The Trigger
Add 1 tbsp of Baking Soda. Observe the bubbling and measure the heat .
Track Energy
The Reaction
H2O2 Decomposition
2H2O2
→
2H2O
O2
The baking soda acts as a catalyst. It forces the H2O2 to break apart, releasing bubbles and exothermic heat .
Day 2: The Pressure Point
The Seal Test
Seal the bottle lid tightly .
Wait ONLY 30 seconds .
Feel the sides—is it firm?
Danger Zone
Gases expand. In a sealed container, they push against the walls with force. This is how industrial tanks explode .
Drawing Conclusions
"Since the temperature _____________, I know the reaction is _____________."
"If a waste drum was stored in heat, the reaction speed would _____________ and pressure would _____________."
Knowledge Check
1. What gas is produced when hydrogen peroxide decomposes?
A) Hydrogen (H2)
B) Oxygen (O2)
2. Why is a sealed container dangerous during this reaction?
A) Pressure Build-up
B) Vacuum Creation
The Safety Solution
Venting
Valves allow pressure to escape before it becomes dangerous.
Cooling
Keeping chemicals cold stops the pressure from rising.
Sorting
Keep reactive chemicals away from trash and impurities.
"Safety is not just a rule — it is a calculation."
Teacher Safety Guide Teacher Intel Guide
Pressure Point & Waste Wizards Sequence
Lab Prep Checklist
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
3% drug-store grade. Keep in dark bottles to prevent light-based decomposition.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Standard baking soda. Use 1 tablespoon per lab group.
Vessel Safety
Use 20oz soda bottles. Pressure build-up is rapid; monitor seal time closely.
Safety Gear
Splash goggles required. Use lab aprons if available to protect clothing.
Answer Key & Expected Data
1. Temperature
This is exothermic . Expect a 2-5°C increase . If using a catalyst (yeast), it will jump >10°C.
2. Gas Production
The gas is Oxygen (O2) . Not CO2. This is an oxidation hazard in industrial waste.
3. Waste Connection
Hazard: Pressure buildup leading to mechanical container failure.Strategy: Vented lids, temperature control, and segregation of oxidizers.
Instructional Insights
The "Why" Behind the Lab
Students often assume bubbling is always "Acid + Base = CO2". This lab disrupts that by focusing on Decomposition . Peroxide is essentially unstable water with extra oxygen. Baking soda acts as an impurity triggering that release.
Safety Misconception
Clarify that "Sealing the lid" is the dangerous part. Swelling containers are a major hazard for facility workers. Emphasize that gas volume increases rapidly, especially if contaminants are present.
Waste Watchers Analysis Worksheet Waste Watchers Analysis
Environmental Safety Integration
STATION:
The Mystery Spill Case
A local waste management facility discovered a unlabeled 55-gallon drum that was swelling and felt warm to the touch . Nearby, they found a ripped bag of industrial baking soda and a puddle of a clear liquid that was bubbling slightly.
Symptom 1
Container Swelling
Symptom 2
Heat Generation
Symptom 3
Gas Production
1. Identifying the Culprit
Based on your lab experiment with baking soda and peroxide, explain what is likely happening inside the mystery drum. Use the term decomposition in your answer.
2. The Danger of "Sealing"
Why is it dangerous for workers to tighten the lid on a swelling drum? Use the concepts of Pressure and Volume to explain the danger.
Waste Watchers Analysis (Page 2)
3. Safe Disposal Strategy
Waste management facilities use "Vented Lids" for reactive chemicals. Explain how a vent prevents a mechanical explosion in a drum where gas is being produced.
Pressure Release
4. Community Safety Checklist
List 3 common household items that should never be thrown in the regular trash because they might be reactive or pressurized .
