Hydrogen peroxide is considered<em> "unstable,"</em> thus, storing it in the refrigerator provides two advantages:
1. It slows down thermal decomposition.
The rate of decomposition slows down when the temperature is lowered. It increases when the temperature rises.
2. It prevents photolytic decomposition.
Photolytic decomposition happens when hydrogen peroxide is exposed to sunlight or bright light. It therefore increases the rate of reaction. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide should be stored in a <em>cool and dark place</em>, such as the refrigerator.
