What is happening when the gummy bear is added to the potassium chlorate?
Summary: When heated, potassium chlorate decomposes, producing sufficient oxygen to ignite the sugar in the gummy bear. Since the oxidation of the sugar is very exothermic, sodium chlorate continues to decompose to oxygen, and the rate of combustion becomes very rapid.
What type of reaction is gummy bear sacrifice?
In this experiment, a demonstration of a spontaneous exothermic reaction will take place between a gummy bear and molten potassium chlorate. Once the potassium chlorate has been melted in a test tube, a gummy bear will be dropped to his doom and flames will burst out of the tube as a result.
What was the chemical reaction that took place after gummy bear was dropped into the test tube?
When the gummy bear is dropped into the molten sodium chlorate it quickly heats up and starts to melt. The melting sugar is now exposed to large amounts of oxygen from the molten sodium chlorate and a combustion reaction starts (this is the flame you see).
What is the equation for potassium chlorate and gummy bear?
So, in all, we have two reaction taking place here; the decomposition of the metal chlorates into a metal chloride and oxygen gas (2KClO3(S) → KCl (s) + 3O2(g)) when heated, and the sugar (gummy bear) reacting with the oxygen gas to produce carbon dioxide and water (C12H22O11(s) + 12 O2(g) →12 CO2(g) + 11 H2O (g)).
Is potassium chlorate and gummy bear chemical change?
Description: An Gummi Bear is dropped into a test tube of heated potassium chlorate. The Gummi Bear is combusted. Concepts: An exothermic reaction releases heat. A chemical change (combustion reaction) as opposed to a physical change (melts in your mouth, not in your hands).
What is the chemical formula for gummy bears?
Its chemical formula is KCLO4, short-hand for saying it contains one atom of potassium, one of chlorine and four of oxygen. Yes, you already figured that out, I know.
What is the chemical composition of a gummy bear?
Gummy Bears are made of a protein substance called gelatin, which gives candy a jelly-like texture. When gelatin is heated then cooled, gelatin becomes a solid as the protein chains form a pattern that looks like a sponge under the microscope.
What is the Gummy Bear reaction?
The sugar present in the gummy bear undergoes rapid oxidation forming carbon dioxide and water, assuming complete combustion, a very exothermic process. Once the tube has cooled, the contents can be examined.
Is Elephant Toothpaste a chemical change?
The resulting foam (“elephant’s toothpaste”) demonstrates a chemical reaction that can “explode” in student engagement! Background Information: The foam is oxygen-filled bubbles that result from the hydrogen peroxide being broken down into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). This reaction uses yeast as a catalyst.
How does sugar and water react with gummy bears?
In water: The water will move into the gummy bear because there is a lot of solute (sugar) in the bear and there is no solute (sugar) in the water. So the water will move from the low sugar concentration in the water to the high sugar concentration in the gummy bear. That’s why the bear got bigger!
What happens to the sugar in a gummy bear?
This process actually takes place in two steps: 1) the formation of potassium perchlorate, followed by 2) the decomposition of the potassium perchlorate. The sugar present in the gummy bear undergoes rapid oxidation forming carbon dioxide and water, assuming complete combustion, a very exothermic process.
What to do if your Gummy Bear explodes?
Even at an angle, the burning gummy bear may be propelled out of the tube; consider the possible trajectory; aim tube in a safe direction away from all people and flammable materials. If desired, place the potassium chlorate in the ignition tube and cover with a stopper.
Can a gummy bear be consumed in a fire?
The gummy bear is rapidly consumed in a ball of fire liberating a lot of smoke in the process. Because of the large amount of smoke and other hazards, the demonstration should be performed only in a fume hood or outdoors. While the demonstration itself is simple to perform, the underlying chemistry is not so clear-cut.