Hydrogen peroxide will decompose into which two elements over time?

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound with the formula H₂O₂. Over time, it decomposes into water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂). When the compound breaks down, the reaction can be represented as follows: 2 H₂O₂ → 2 H₂O + O₂. This means that for every two molecules of hydrogen peroxide, two molecules of water and one molecule of oxygen are produced.

This decomposition process occurs spontaneously, especially in the presence of heat, light, or catalysts, which facilitate the breakdown of the unstable peroxide bond. The release of oxygen makes hydrogen peroxide particularly useful in applications such as disinfection and as a bleaching agent, as it can generate reactive species that kill pathogens.

The other choices do not accurately represent the decomposition products of hydrogen peroxide. Water and salt are not formed in this reaction. Hydrogen and nitrogen do not result from the breakdown of H₂O₂, nor does carbon participate in the process. Thus, the correct response highlights the fundamental chemical properties of hydrogen peroxide and its predictable breakdown products.