Elephant Toothpaste--Science Experiment Thursday!

So this experiment can either be a lot of fun or a really big mess so strap in and hold on.

So, you want to make Elephant toothpaste. Well, it is your lucky day because I have what you need right here.

For starters, Elephant toothpaste is not toothpaste at all and has nothing to do with elephants except the size of the reaction. So without boring you anymore, here is what you will need.

• plastic bottle (smaller neck bottles create greater pressure)
• Hydrogen Peroxide (3% works fine, 8% is much better)--found at hair supply stores
• Dry Active yeast (this is the catalyst for the reaction)
• Dish Soap (use one without antibacterial ingredients)--degreaser only
• warm water
• A small bowl (for the yeast)
• Food coloring (if desired)
• A sheet pan to catch the mess.

It is a very long list but trust me, you need everything here. Once it comes together, it is amazingly fun, and a joy to watch!

First thing you need to do is activate the yeast with some warm water. This is just like when you make bread. I used about 3TBSP of warm water to an entire packet of yeast. Let that go for 5 min.

Next, meausre out 4 ounces of hydrogen peroxide. Whether you use 3% or 8%, it doesn't matter. You just need to make sure that if you want a stronger reaction, you get the 8% (stores sell it as 20 vol). There are recipes for this experiment that call for over 30%. Those are the explosive ones you see all over the web. Those mixes do not include yeast and should be handled with caution.

Add in 2 ounces of dish soap to the hydrogen peroxide and then (if you want) swirl in some color. Pour that mixture carefully into your bottle and set it in you sheet pan.Now you are ready to go.

Take your activated yeast and pour it into the bottle and watch for the reaction.

So What is Happening?

The yeast acts as the catalyst for the reaction between the hydrogen peroxide. It speeds up the release of oxygen and that forms the bubbles from the soap. With peroxide at higher concentrations, this reaction happens almost all at once causing violent bursts of bubbles and steam. In the end, the catalyst should be the only thing left in the bottle. 

Overall it is a really cool reaction.

Here is mine that I did with only 3% hydrogen peroxide. It was easy and very safe. 

My next adventure might be to up the percentage!!

Until the world revolves again....B

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