Mineral acids are usually added to commercial hydrogen peroxide to

Correct answer: minimize its decomposition.

Explanation: Hydrogen peroxide slowly decomposes to water and oxygen (2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂), a process that is accelerated by basic conditions and by traces of metal ions (acting as catalysts). Adding a small amount of a mineral acid (e.g., H₂SO₄) lowers the pH and helps suppress catalytic decomposition, keeping the solution stable in storage.

• oxidize it — Incorrect. H₂O₂ is itself an oxidizing agent; the acid is not added to oxidize it.
• decompose it — Incorrect. The goal is the opposite: prevent decomposition.
• minimize its decomposition — Correct. Acidic conditions stabilize H₂O₂.
• reduce it to water and oxygen — Incorrect. That describes its decomposition products, which we want to avoid during storage.