Chief Scientist Carl Nelson demonstrates the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes to form oxygen and water. The reaction is slow at room temperature. A catalyst added to the peroxide will speed up the reaction. It is catalyzed here with potassium iodide.

The hydrogen peroxide used here is 35% concentration, more than ten times what most people have at home.

The mixture of soap, peroxide and catalyst generate a huge amount of foam when mixed together. Food coloring gives the foam a bright color.