imported>Stwikiadmin: Created page with "== Age == Elementary School, Middle School, High School == Format == Stage Show == Materials == One 25x150mm Test Tube One ring stand with ring clamp for test tube ..."

2013-09-12T00:02:36Z

Created page with "== Age == Elementary School, Middle School, High School == Format == Stage Show == Materials == One 25x150mm Test Tube One ring stand with ring clamp for test tube ..."

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== Age ==

Elementary School, Middle School, High School

== Format ==

Stage Show

== Materials ==

One 25x150mm Test Tube
One ring stand with ring clamp for test tube
A few grams of Potassium chlorate or Sodium Chlorate
Propane torch
One gummy bear (stale gummy bears work the best if left out for a while before experiment)
Thermal gloves

== Safety Precautions ==

The reaction can be performed behind a safety shield, but it is not necessary if the audience is a safe distance away. Also note that there is a significant amount of "heat, flame and smoke (mostly water vapor)" given off throughout the reaction so it should be done in a well ventilated room. Make sure the test tube is not pointing toward the audience - it is possible that very hot debris will be ejected from the tube. Science Theatre demonstrators must keep the safety of themselves and their audience in mind at all times. All Science Theatre demonstrators must have read through the Safety Training page. The ST Safety Box with first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc. should always be available to demonstrators. Always wear safety gloves, glasses, and a labcoat if handling chemicals; always perform potentially dangerous demonstrations at a safe distance from the audience; and always keep a very close eye on any volunteers you call from the audience.

[http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927592: Sodium Chlorate MSDS]

[http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927704: Potassium Chlorate MSDS]

== Preparation ==

Assemble the materials. Clamp the test tube to the ring stand and make sure that the test tube is very firmly held so that it does not fall out. You may wish to clamp the test tube near the top, because the bottom will get extremely hot and may melt the rubber pads on the clamp. You should equip thermal gloves and be prepared to catch the test tube should it start slipping so that it does not fall. Make sure the test tube is not pointing toward the audience - it is possible that very hot debris will be ejected from the tube.

== Demonstration ==

Add a few grams of sodium chlorate to the tube (just a few millimeters in the test tube should be enough - too much may be dangerous). Use the torch to melt the sodium chlorate until it begins the bubble. While the sodium chlorate is bubbling (releasing oxygen), set the torch aside and drop in the gummy bear. Stand back and be ready for a quick, explosive reaction!

The residue in the test tube is safe to be washed down the sink. The test tube will probably not be usable again and should be discarded as broken glass.

== What to Say ==

Sugar is a great source of fuel. That's one reason why you love gummy bears - they provide your body with energy! That same sugar is a great fuel for combustion reactions that produce fires, as well. If you've ever sat by a campfire or a fireplace, you know that when fuels like wood or sugar are heated to a certain temperature, they catch fire.

This demonstration is partly a simple combustion reaction that takes place because the gummy bear is exposed to such intense heat, but why is this fire so much more explosive than a campfire? The explanation has to do with the third fuel involved in combustion reactions: oxygen, the same chemical in the air we breathe that our body uses for respiration.

Fires need oxygen to burn their fuel. A great way to put out a fire is to snuff it, to remove all the oxygen - like many fire extinguishers do. The chemical we placed in the test tube, sodium chlorate, releases oxygen gas when it's heated. That means that our gummy bear fire has access to a lot more oxygen than a normal fire. The gummy bear fire is accelerated by the presence of that pure oxygen and the result is explosive! In fact, sodium chlorate is often used in fireworks.

Simply said, sodium chlorate is a powerful oxidizer and oxygen plus heat and fuel equals fire! Can also talk about basic concepts of oxidation and reduction seeing how this reaction deals with the concept of oxidation.

== Why It Is ==

From http://woodrow.org:

"When heated, sodium chlorate decomposes, producing oxygen to ignite the sugar(glucose) 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."

First, the heated sodium chlorate decomposes and produces oxygen gas:

2NaClO3 --> 2NaCl (s) + 3O2 (g)

Next, that oxygen is used in the combustion reaction of the glucose (sugar):

C12H22O11 (s) + 3O2 (s) --> 9C (s) + 3CO2 (g) + H2O (g) + 5635kJ

The byproducts are heat (producing the flame), solid carbon (ash, clearly visible in the test tube), carbon dioxide, water vapor, and salt. Note that some sodium chlorate may be left in the tube and is harmful.

== Real Life Examples ==

Sodium Chlorate and Potassium Chlorate are often used in explosives and fireworks. Sodium chlorate is even used as an oxygen producer in airplanes. When the masks drop down from ceiling and pump out oxygen it is actually a result of the decomposition of sodium chlorate in order to provide oxygen for the passengers.

Candy Conflagration - Revision history

imported>Stwikiadmin: Created page with "== Age == Elementary School, Middle School, High School == Format == Stage Show == Materials == One 25x150mm Test Tube One ring stand with ring clamp for test tube ..."