Candy Conflagration: Difference between revisions

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== Age ==
{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; margin-left: auto; float:right"
| [[Chemistry]], [[Biology]]:
| Combustion, Energy Density
|-
| Grade Range:
| [[Elementary School]], [[Middle School]], [[High School]]
|-
| Format:
| [[Stage]]
|}


Elementary School, Middle School, High School


== Format ==
Stage Show


== Materials ==
== Materials ==


    One 25x150mm Test Tube
* Test Tubes
    One ring stand with ring clamp for test tube
* Ring Stand with Ring Clamp
    A few grams of Potassium chlorate or Sodium Chlorate
* Blowtorch
    Propane torch
* Scoopula
    One gummy bear (stale gummy bears work the best if left out for a while before experiment)
* Sodium Chlorate or Potassium PerChlorate salt
    Thermal gloves
* Small Candies (Nerds, Sour Patch Kids, Gummy Bears, etc.)


== Safety Precautions ==
== 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.
Please read the Fire Safety section of the [[Demonstration Safety]] page before performing this demonstration. [http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927592: Sodium Chlorate MSDS], [http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927704: Potassium Chlorate MSDS]
 
This demonstration requires: Goggles, Heat Gloves
 
 
== Demonstration ==
 
# Using the scoopula, scoop some of the salt into the test tube. fill the test tube no more than a quarter inch with the salt; too much salt and the demonstration won't work as well. Aim the test tube perpendicular to the audience. If you aren't at least 10 feet away from the audience, a blast shield is required.
# Place some of the candy onto the scoopula, making sure that it is in small enough pieces to fit into the test tube. Set nearby.
# Ask the audience to name the three things needed for a fire. After you get the answers, explain the purpose of the blowtorch (Heat), candy (Fuel) and salt (Oxygen).
# Put on the goggles and heat gloves, and start heating the salt with the blowtorch. As you heat the salt, be sure to move the flame of the blowtorch around. If you keep it on one spot for too long, it may melt the glass!
# When you see that most of the salt is melted, ask the students for a countdown starting at 5. As they countdown, pick up the scoopula, and when they reach one pour the candy into the test tube.
#* If the reaction does not start immediately, continue to heat the test tube until it starts.
# After it finishes, let the test tube cool for a few minutes, then remove it while still wearing the hot gloves. It can be thrown away.
 


[http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927592: Sodium Chlorate MSDS]
== Why This Works ==
 
===Short Explanation===
====Chemistry====
''Combustion Reactions'' are common reactions where we see heat as a result of the reaction. In order to have a combustion reaction, we need to have a fuel source, an Oxygen source, and a heat source. The fuel source, in this case, is the candy that we add to the test tube. Candy has a lot of sugar in it, and sugars contain a lot of energy in them. Our Oxygen source is the salt that we added at the beginning. Sodium Chlorate and Potassium PerChlorate both have a lot of extra Oxygen stored in them. This extra Oxygen is released when we heat the salt up and melt it. The blowtorch was the heat source, and by providing enough heat for the salt to melt, we can then add in the candy and watch it burn! As it burned, you should see a color to the flame in the test tube. The color is there because of the salt! Sodium gives off an orange flame when heated, and Potassium gives off a purple flame.
====Biology====
For a combustion reaction you need three things: a heat source, like the blowtorch, an Oxygen source, and a fuel source. The (Per)Chlorate salt was our oxygen source, since it had a lot fo extra oxygen stored in it which we released by heating it. The candy that we added was our fuel source for this reaction. Candy has a lot of sugar in it, and that sugar has a lot of energy stored inside of it. The small amount of candy added to the tube would have contained about five Calories of energy in it. We use a capital C on Calories, however, because it actually stands for kilocalories. In other words, our five Calories is actually ''five thousand'' calories! Our bodies can use this energy, however, so that we can walk, talk, think and experience the world around us!
 
===Full Explanation===
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; text-align: center; margin: auto"
| Sodim Chlorate:
| 2 NaClO<sub>3</sub> + Heat ->
| 2 NaCl (Orange) + 3 O<sub>2</sub>
|-
| Potassium PerChlorate:
| 1 KClO<sub>4</sub> + Heat ->
| 1 KCl (Purple) + 2 O<sub>2</sub>
|-
| Candy Conflagration:
| C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>12</sub>O<sub>6</sub> + 2 O<sub>2</sub> ->
| 4 C + 2 CO<sub>2</sub> + 6 H<sub>2</sub>O + Heat
|}
 
== Additional Information ==
 
* Any extra tidbits that do not fit into other sections
* This demonstration is a part of the (insert [[Stage Show]] here)


[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 ==
== What to Say ==


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


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


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


C12H22O11 (s) + 3O2 (s) --> 9C (s) + 3CO2 (g) + H2O (g) + 5635kJ
C6H12O6 (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.
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.
Line 62: Line 105:
== Real Life Examples ==
== 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.
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. -->

Revision as of 16:45, 4 April 2016

Chemistry, Biology: Combustion, Energy Density
Grade Range: Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Format: Stage


Materials

  • Test Tubes
  • Ring Stand with Ring Clamp
  • Blowtorch
  • Scoopula
  • Sodium Chlorate or Potassium PerChlorate salt
  • Small Candies (Nerds, Sour Patch Kids, Gummy Bears, etc.)

Safety Precautions

Please read the Fire Safety section of the Demonstration Safety page before performing this demonstration. Sodium Chlorate MSDS, Potassium Chlorate MSDS

This demonstration requires: Goggles, Heat Gloves


Demonstration

  1. Using the scoopula, scoop some of the salt into the test tube. fill the test tube no more than a quarter inch with the salt; too much salt and the demonstration won't work as well. Aim the test tube perpendicular to the audience. If you aren't at least 10 feet away from the audience, a blast shield is required.
  2. Place some of the candy onto the scoopula, making sure that it is in small enough pieces to fit into the test tube. Set nearby.
  3. Ask the audience to name the three things needed for a fire. After you get the answers, explain the purpose of the blowtorch (Heat), candy (Fuel) and salt (Oxygen).
  4. Put on the goggles and heat gloves, and start heating the salt with the blowtorch. As you heat the salt, be sure to move the flame of the blowtorch around. If you keep it on one spot for too long, it may melt the glass!
  5. When you see that most of the salt is melted, ask the students for a countdown starting at 5. As they countdown, pick up the scoopula, and when they reach one pour the candy into the test tube.
    • If the reaction does not start immediately, continue to heat the test tube until it starts.
  6. After it finishes, let the test tube cool for a few minutes, then remove it while still wearing the hot gloves. It can be thrown away.


Why This Works

Short Explanation

Chemistry

Combustion Reactions are common reactions where we see heat as a result of the reaction. In order to have a combustion reaction, we need to have a fuel source, an Oxygen source, and a heat source. The fuel source, in this case, is the candy that we add to the test tube. Candy has a lot of sugar in it, and sugars contain a lot of energy in them. Our Oxygen source is the salt that we added at the beginning. Sodium Chlorate and Potassium PerChlorate both have a lot of extra Oxygen stored in them. This extra Oxygen is released when we heat the salt up and melt it. The blowtorch was the heat source, and by providing enough heat for the salt to melt, we can then add in the candy and watch it burn! As it burned, you should see a color to the flame in the test tube. The color is there because of the salt! Sodium gives off an orange flame when heated, and Potassium gives off a purple flame.

Biology

For a combustion reaction you need three things: a heat source, like the blowtorch, an Oxygen source, and a fuel source. The (Per)Chlorate salt was our oxygen source, since it had a lot fo extra oxygen stored in it which we released by heating it. The candy that we added was our fuel source for this reaction. Candy has a lot of sugar in it, and that sugar has a lot of energy stored inside of it. The small amount of candy added to the tube would have contained about five Calories of energy in it. We use a capital C on Calories, however, because it actually stands for kilocalories. In other words, our five Calories is actually five thousand calories! Our bodies can use this energy, however, so that we can walk, talk, think and experience the world around us!

Full Explanation

Sodim Chlorate: 2 NaClO3 + Heat -> 2 NaCl (Orange) + 3 O2
Potassium PerChlorate: 1 KClO4 + Heat -> 1 KCl (Purple) + 2 O2
Candy Conflagration: C6H12O6 + 2 O2 -> 4 C + 2 CO2 + 6 H2O + Heat

Additional Information

  • Any extra tidbits that do not fit into other sections
  • This demonstration is a part of the (insert Stage Show here)