Student's Guide: Iodine Clock Reaction with Hydrogen Peroxide

Objective:
To demonstrate the iodine clock reaction using hydrogen peroxide, potassium iodide, starch,
and iodine solution, and to observe and record the time taken for the reaction to occur.
Materials:
 Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
 Potassium iodide (KI) crystals or solution
 Starch solution (prepared from potato starch)
 Iodine solution (potassium iodide solution mixed with iodine)
 Beakers
 Test tubes or small containers.
 Stirring rod or glass pipette
 Stopwatch
 Protective gloves and goggles
Procedure:
1. Preparation:
 Put on protective gloves and goggles.
 Prepare a starch solution by dissolving a small amount of potato starch in
water. Stir well until the starch is completely dissolved.
 Prepare an iodine solution by mixing potassium iodide solution with a small
amount of iodine until the solution turns brown.
2. Reaction Setup:
 Label three test tubes as A, B, and C.
 In test tube A, measure and add 10 mL of hydrogen peroxide solution.
 In test tube B, measure and add 10 mL of potassium iodide solution.
 In test tube C, measure and add 5 mL of starch solution and 5 mL of iodine
solution.

3. Conducting the Experiment:

 Pour the contents of test tube B (potassium iodide solution) into test tube A
(hydrogen peroxide solution).
  Add the contents of test tube C (starch and iodine solution) to the mixture in
test tube A.
 Start the stopwatch immediately after combining all solutions.
 Observe the mixture and note the time taken for the solution to turn blue-
black.
4. Observation and Data Recording:
 Record the time it takes for the color change to occur in the table provided
below.
Safety and Disposal:
 Dispose of the reaction mixture safely according to your lab's guidelines.
 Rinse all glassware thoroughly with water.
Results Table:

Trial Volume of Volume of KI Volume of Volume of Iodine Time for Color Change
Number H₂O₂ (mL) (mL) Starch (mL) Solution (mL) (seconds)

1 10 10 5 5

2 10 10 5 5

3 10 10 5 5

Discussion Questions:
1. How long did it take for the color change to occur in each trial?
2. Was there any variation in the time taken for the color change between the trials? If
so, what might have caused these differences?
 3. What role does the starch solution play in this experiment?
Conclusion:
 Compare the time it takes for the color change to occur across multiple trials.
 Discuss any variations in the reaction time and what factors might influence the
reaction rate.
By conducting this experiment and answering the discussion questions, you will gain a better
understanding of the iodine clock reaction and the factors that affect reaction rates.
Teacher's Guide: Iodine Clock Reaction with Hydrogen Peroxide
Objective:
To guide students through the iodine clock reaction, ensuring they understand the process and
can accurately observe and record the time taken for the reaction to occur.
Materials:
 Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
 Potassium iodide (KI) crystals or solution
 Starch solution (prepared from potato starch)
 Iodine solution (potassium iodide solution mixed with iodine)
 Beakers
 Test tubes or small containers
 Stirring rod or glass pipette
 Stopwatch
 Protective gloves and goggles
Safety Precautions:
1. Ensure students wear protective gloves and goggles throughout the experiment.
2. Instruct students to handle all chemicals with care, especially hydrogen peroxide and
iodine solution, as they can be irritating to skin and eyes.
3. Make sure students know how to dispose of the reaction mixture safely according to
your lab’s guidelines.
Preparation:
1. Prepare starch solution ahead of time if students are not preparing it themselves.
Dissolve a small amount of potato starch in hot water, stir well, and allow it to cool.
2. Prepare iodine solution by mixing potassium iodide with a small amount of iodine
until the solution turns brown.
3. Ensure all materials and equipment are available and organized for students.
Procedure Overview:
1. Preparation:
 Guide students to put on protective gloves and goggles.
 Ensure they have prepared starch and iodine solutions if not done ahead.
2. Reaction Setup:
  Instruct students to label three test tubes as A, B, and C.
 Measure and add 10 mL of hydrogen peroxide solution to test tube A.
 Measure and add 10 mL of potassium iodide solution to test tube B.
 Measure and add 5 mL of starch solution and 5 mL of iodine solution to test
tube C.
3. Conducting the Experiment:
 Have students pour the contents of test tube B into test tube A and mix.
 Instruct them to add the contents of test tube C to the mixture in test tube A
and start the stopwatch immediately.
 Students should observe the mixture and note the time taken for the solution to
turn blue-black.
4. Observation and Data Recording:
 Ensure students record the time it takes for the color change in the provided
table.
Results Table:

Trial Volume of Volume of KI Volume of Volume of Iodine Time for Color Change
Number H₂O₂ (mL) (mL) Starch (mL) Solution (mL) (seconds)

1 10 10 5 5

2 10 10 5 5

3 10 10 5 5

Discussion Questions:
1. How long did it take for the color change to occur in each trial?
2. Was there any variation in the time taken for the color change between the trials? If
so, what might have caused these differences?
3. What role does the starch solution play in this experiment?
Guidance on Discussion:
1. Reaction Time Analysis:
 Help students compare the recorded times and discuss any observed
differences. Highlight the importance of consistency in measurements and
conditions.
2. Variation in Reaction Time:
  Discuss possible causes for any variations such as measurement inaccuracies,
mixing efficiency, or temperature differences.
3. Role of Starch:
 Explain that starch acts as an indicator, turning blue-black when iodine is
present, thus allowing visualization of the reaction’s progress.
Conclusion:
 Ensure students summarize their findings by comparing the times across multiple
trials and discussing any variations.
 Encourage students to reflect on the discussion questions to deepen their
understanding of the reaction mechanism and the factors affecting reaction rates.
By following this guide, you can help students successfully conduct the iodine clock reaction,
observe the results, and understand the underlying chemical principles.