To make elephant toothpaste, you need the following materials:
- Hydrogen peroxide (3% for a safe beginner version)
- Dry yeast
- Warm water
- Liquid dish soap
- Food coloring (optional)
- A clean plastic bottle
- Safety glasses and a tray or outdoor space to contain the foam
Step-by-step instructions:
- Put on safety glasses and place the plastic bottle in a tray or outside to catch the foam.
- Pour about 1/2 cup (125 ml) of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the bottle.
- Add a squirt of liquid dish soap to the bottle and swirl gently to mix.
- If you want colored foam, add a few drops of food coloring into the bottle and swirl gently.
- In a separate cup, mix 1 tablespoon of dry yeast with 3 tablespoons of warm water. Stir well and let it activate for about 30 seconds.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle with hydrogen peroxide and soap, then quickly step back.
- Watch as the foam rapidly forms and spills out of the bottle, resembling a giant tube of toothpaste.
How it works: The yeast acts as a catalyst to break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas. The oxygen gets trapped in the soap, creating lots of foam. This reaction is exothermic, so the foam will feel warm
. Safety notes:
- Use 3% hydrogen peroxide for a safe experiment; higher concentrations require adult supervision and safety precautions.
- Avoid touching or ingesting the foam as it may contain residual hydrogen peroxide.
- Perform the experiment in a well-ventilated area and wear safety goggles to protect your eyes
This simple and visually impressive experiment is great for demonstrating chemical reactions and catalysis at home or in the classroom
