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Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) is a strong oxidizer. As such it's pretty lethal to most bacteria if it comes in contact with them. Note that it's also pretty deadly to most cells it comes in contact with and, depending on the concentration, can be dangerous to be around. The stuff you get in a pharmacy is about 3% concentration, and is not harmful.

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17y ago

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How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to effectively kill bacteria?

Hydrogen peroxide can effectively kill bacteria within 10 to 30 minutes of contact.


Is hydrogen peroxide an antiseptic?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic. It has antimicrobial properties that make it effective in killing bacteria and preventing infection in minor cuts and wounds.


Why does hydrogen peroxide kill bacteria but not human skin cells?

Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria by generating reactive oxygen species that damage bacterial cell membranes and proteins. Human skin cells contain enzymes like catalase that break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, protecting them from its harmful effects. This allows human skin cells to survive exposure to hydrogen peroxide while bacteria cannot.


Is hydrogen peroxide a disinfectant or antiseptic?

Hydrogen peroxide can be both a disinfectant and an antiseptic. It is commonly used to clean wounds and surfaces to kill bacteria and prevent infection.


What is the enzymatic effects of materials on hydrogen peroxide?

Materials can act as catalysts to break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Enzymes like catalase and peroxidase found in living organisms facilitate this reaction, speeding up the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. This enzymatic effect helps protect cells from damage caused by hydrogen peroxide accumulation.


Is hydrogen peroxide classified as an antiseptic or a disinfectant?

Hydrogen peroxide is classified as both an antiseptic and a disinfectant. It can be used to clean wounds and surfaces to kill bacteria and prevent infection.


What happens to hydrogen peroxide when it is put on a cut?

Peroxide is actually not what does the healing. When you put Hydrogen Peroxide (chemical formula: H2O2) on your wound, it is separated into water and oxygen by the enzyme catalase. The catalase ONLY targets the hydrogen peroxide, and some of the bacteria is forced out with the oxygen (visually seen as the fizzing). THE TRUTH: Peroxide actually doesn't do much for you at all. To get a decent effect, get 4-6 cotton swabs, and wet them with water THEN Peroxide. the water will act as a mode of "transportation" for the bacteria to get out of the cut. This will slightly increase the effectiveness of a SINGLE cotton swab... which is still not much! (Thus the hole "4-6 cottonswabs" comment)


Is hydrogen peroxide an effective disinfectant?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant that can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is commonly used in household cleaning and medical settings for its disinfecting properties.


Is hydrogen peroxide an effective disinfectant for cleaning purposes?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant for cleaning purposes. It can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a commonly used household cleaner.


What effect does hydrogen peroxide have on potato and does it differ for each type of potato?

Hydrogen peroxide can cause an oxidative reaction on potatoes, which can change their texture, taste, and color. The effect may vary slightly depending on the type of potato due to differences in starch content and enzyme composition, but in general, most potatoes will exhibit a similar reaction to hydrogen peroxide.


How are hydrogen peroxide and water different?

Hydrogen peroxide has an extra oxygen atom compared to water, which makes it a stronger oxidizing agent. This difference accounts for hydrogen peroxide's ability to kill bacteria and act as a disinfectant. Water, on the other hand, is essential for life and does not have the same oxidizing properties.


Is hydrogen peroxide a chemical or physical change?

Catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Catalase is found in blood and bacteria in the wound. The bubbles you see are from the oxygen that is being released.