Gummy Bear Sacrifice

In this demonstration, I melt some potassium chlorate in a test tube, then drop a Gummy Bear into it. This combustion reaction oxidizes most of the sugar within the Gummy Bear (Molecular formula, C12H22O11). Through the process of chemical decomposition, the products: carbon, H2O, and diatomic oxygent (O2) remain. Other organic substances will react and produce similar results. I have experienced the greatest reactivity when using small marshmallows. Basically, anything organic will react with Potassium Chlorate (i.e., peanuts, celery, wood, cereal...). The big science idea that I want you to remember about this demonstration is that we are carbon based lifeforms. And, that carbon combines with other elements in a variety of ways creating many substances that we eat or use as products. Carbon bonds in chains forming: straight chains, branched chains, and closed rings. The graphite in your pencil is made of layers of closed rings of carbon, and diamond is made of closed rings as well.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Gummy Bear Sacrifice
• bear hunting
• decomposition of sugar
• decomposition of glucose
• complete oxidation
• potassium chlorate reactions
• campfire stories

[smartgirl889]

OMG! I CAN HEAR IT SCREAMING!

[WoahItsAMonkey]

NO LAB COAT??? I'm disappointed in you, Mr. Seligman. :)

[TheBrokeEmo]

:'(

[TheBrokeEmo]

epic from amber hehe

[TheEmogirl95]

You can hear him screaming. Hi ms v ^_^

[TheEmogirl95]

Ha I watched this in science today I jumped up and screamed NOOOO NOT GUMMY JOE WHAT WOULD GUMMY BOB DO WITH OUT HIM lol

[gabejohnson97]

Ouch...

[ixAjHx]

@mcmcman2 I just watched it in my biology class today!!

[TheAdrianaluvsyou]

OMG HOW CAN YOU DO THAT TO A PERFECTLY GOOD GUMMY BEAR AND YOU DONT HAVE A LAB COAT ON WHATS WRONG WITH YOU JK :(

[yo532011]

whoa.

[mcmcman2]

i watched this in science class lol

[krystalxlyte]

sweet! no pun intended! Is it true thats what happens each time you ingest a gummi bear?