Why does H2O2 bubble when it poured on a skin cut?

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Why does H2O2 bubble when it poured on a skin cut?

2007-02-19 23:04:53 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology

2 answers

Hydrogen peroxide is a very unstable chemical (used in rocket fuel at one time) which breaks down when in contact with many other substances. The liquid you use on a cut is only a very dilute solution. When the solution comes into contact with blood/dirt etc. the hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen,( 2 H2O2 = 2 H2O + O2) it is this oxygen you see as bubbles. When oxygen is released in this way (nascent oxygen) it has a strong antiseptic action which helps to clean the wound.

2007-02-19 23:40:27 · answer #1 · answered by U.K.Export 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋

it means that there is alot of germs and u need to clean it more.if it doesnt bubble it means that there r no germs.

2007-02-19 23:12:10 · answer #2 · answered by Aarti P 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋