HYDROGEN PEROXIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound with the molecular formula H2O2. It is a pale blue liquid that appears colorless when diluted. It consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to two oxygen atoms. It is classified as a powerful oxidizer and bleaching agent due to its ability to release oxygen as a result of decomposition.
In terms of its chemical composition, hydrogen peroxide contains a highly reactive oxygen-oxygen single bond, which makes it unstable and prone to breakdown into water and oxygen through a process called decomposition. This decomposition occurs rapidly, especially when exposed to light or heat, resulting in the release of nascent oxygen.
Hydrogen peroxide finds numerous applications across various industries. It is commonly used as a disinfectant or antiseptic due to its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. Additionally, it is used as a cleaning agent, particularly for removing stains and whitening clothes or surfaces. In the medical field, hydrogen peroxide is utilized as a wound cleanser and for oral hygiene purposes.
While it is an effective disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide should be handled with care, as it can be corrosive and potentially harmful if ingested or applied to the eyes. In high concentrations, it may cause skin irritation and burns. Therefore, it is essential to follow proper safety protocols when handling hydrogen peroxide.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
- gydrogen peroxide
- bydrogen peroxide
- nydrogen peroxide
- jydrogen peroxide
- uydrogen peroxide
- yydrogen peroxide
- htdrogen peroxide
- hgdrogen peroxide
- hhdrogen peroxide
- hudrogen peroxide
- h7drogen peroxide
- h6drogen peroxide
- hysrogen peroxide
- hyxrogen peroxide
- hycrogen peroxide
- hyfrogen peroxide
- hyrrogen peroxide
- hyerogen peroxide
- hydeogen peroxide
Etymology of HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
The word "hydrogen peroxide" is derived from the chemical composition and structure of the compound.
The term "hydrogen" refers to the element that is present in the compound, which is hydrogen (H).
The word "peroxide" comes from the Latin word "peroxidare", meaning "to oxidize throughout". The term "peroxide" signifies a compound containing a higher proportion of oxygen than another compound with the same elements. In the case of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), it has an additional oxygen atom compared to water (H₂O).
Therefore, the word "hydrogen peroxide" indicates a compound consisting of hydrogen and a higher proportion of oxygen than water.
Similar spelling words for HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
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