Making Water the Exciting Way: A Classroom Demonstration of Catalysis

An understanding of the factors that govern the rate of chemical reactions has proven elusive for many students who begin a survey course in the chemical sciences. Inquiry-based curricula built upon an understanding of common student misconceptions related to chemical kinetics have proven to be a more effective means by which to develop student understanding than traditional lecture formats. To facilitate teacher-guided discussion regarding the subject of catalysis, we have developed a simple and safe demonstration, whereby the hydrogen and oxygen components evolved upon electrolysis of water are recombined at room temperature with the aid of a platinum/ruthenium catalyst. This demonstration is designed to draw students’ attention toward the dramatic change in reaction rate that can be affected by catalyst involvement and to provoke dialog regarding the mechanistic changes that accompany reaction catalysis.