Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Property | H₂O (Water) | H₂O₂ (Hydrogen Peroxide) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom | Two hydrogen atoms bonded to two oxygen atoms |
| State at room temperature | Liquid | Liquid |
| Boiling point | 100 °C (212 °F) | 150.2 °C (302.4 °F) |
| Density | 1 g/mL | 1.45 g/mL |
| Flammability | Non-flammable | Flammable |
| Reactivity | Relatively unreactive | Strong oxidizer, highly reactive |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic | Toxic, can cause skin irritation and burns |
| Uses | Drinking, cleaning, industrial processes | Disinfectant, bleaching agent, rocket fuel |
In summary:
* H₂O is a stable, essential compound for life, while H₂O₂ is a reactive and potentially dangerous chemical.
* While they both contain hydrogen and oxygen, the different arrangement of these atoms leads to significantly different properties.