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How does the addition of a specific catalyst affect the reaction rate of the hydrogen peroxide and potassium iodide reaction?

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The addition of a specific catalyst to the hydrogen peroxide and potassium iodide reaction significantly increases the reaction rate. In this reaction, hydrogen peroxide  H2O2  decomposes into water  H2O  and oxygen gas  O2 , while potassium iodide  KI  acts as a catalyst.The overall reaction is as follows:2H2O2  aq   2H2O  l  + O2  g In the presence of potassium iodide, the reaction proceeds through the following steps:1. KI  aq   K+  aq  + I-  aq 2. H2O2  aq  + I-  aq   H2O  l  + IO-  aq 3. H2O2  aq  + IO-  aq   H2O  l  + O2  g  + I-  aq The iodide ion  I-  acts as a catalyst in this reaction, as it is consumed in the first step and regenerated in the last step. The catalyst lowers the activation energy of the reaction, allowing it to proceed at a much faster rate. This results in the rapid production of oxygen gas and water, which can be observed as the formation of bubbles or foam.The reaction rate can be further increased by using a more concentrated solution of hydrogen peroxide or potassium iodide, or by increasing the temperature of the reaction. However, it is important to note that increasing the concentration or temperature may also increase the potential hazards associated with this reaction, such as the risk of over-pressurization or the release of toxic gases. Always follow proper safety precautions when conducting chemical reactions.
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