how to identify reaction medium by looking at the equation ( for h2o2)?
Is there really a way of recognizing the medium by looking at reaction equations??


Yes and no...

For the particular reaction, you have to know some chemistry. In acid solutions hydrogen peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent: $$\ce{H2O2 + 2H^+ +2e^- -&gt; 2H2O}$$ 

In neutral and basic solutions hydrogen peroxide acts as an reducing agent: $$\ce{H2O2 -&gt; 2H^+ +2e^- + O2(g)}$$ 

The silver oxide is being reduced so the hydrogen peroxide must be acting as a reducing agent. 

The real answer is that the balanced reaction isn't really enough information to duplicate the reaction. What temperature? How long for the reaction to take place? Since reaction would use excess hydrogen peroxide, how much was in excess and so on...

PS - Sometimes you have to consult the oracle to know the laboratory conditions. I asked Carnac the magnificent for more information.



This reaction was done by a red-headed girl. She was wearing a white lab coat over a red blouse and a blue skirt. She did have safety glasses which is a really sexy look over her hazel eyes in the chem lab. She was also wearing white leather sneakers.