1. Oxygen (O₂): Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) decomposes in the presence of manganese(IV) oxide (MnO₂), a catalyst, producing oxygen gas. This oxygen is one of the key components needed for combustion.
2. Heat: The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. This heat provides the activation energy needed to initiate and sustain combustion.
The overall reaction is:
2 H₂O₂ → 2 H₂O + O₂
The manganese(IV) oxide acts as a catalyst, speeding up the reaction but not being consumed itself.
