How to perform DIY carbon snake experiment? - HT School (2024)

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How to perform DIY carbon snake experiment? - HT School? ›

The chemistry: C12H22O11 (sucrose sugar) + 12O2 → 12CO2 + 11H2O (g). This is complete combustion of the sugar in oxygen, which produces heat which makes the reaction continue.

The chemistry: C12H22O11 (sucrose sugar) + 12O2 → 12CO2 + 11H2O (g). This is complete combustion of the sugar in oxygen, which produces heat which makes the reaction continue.

When the sugar and baking soda in the experiment combusts, they is chemically changed into water vapour, sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide. The pressure created by the carbon dioxide pushes the sodium carbonate out, which creates the black carbon snake. This reaction is referred to as the dehydration of sugar.

The sulfuric acid removes water from the sugar in a highly exothermic reaction, releasing heat, steam, and sulfur oxide fumes.

Mix together a batch of 4 parts powered sugar to 1 part baking soda. Add a little fuel to the mixture and ignite. After the black snake is lit, the firework smokes and creates ash resembling a snake. This happens due to an intumescent reaction.

Some of the sucrose does not burn, but merely decomposes at the high temperature, giving off elemental carbon and water vapor: C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁(s) → 12 C(s) + 11 H₂O(g) The carbon in the reaction makes the snake black. The overall process is exothermic enough that the water produced in the reactions is vaporized.

After mixing, the color changes from white to brownish and eventually to black. The expansion of the mixture is the result of vaporization of water and CO₂ inside the container. The gases inflate the mixture to form a snake-like shape, and give off a burned sugar smell.

When Zoe weighs the ingredients (sugar and baking soda), it weighs 25 grams in total. When she weighs the “snake” it weighs 23 grams. This is because some carbon dioxide gas produced during the chemical reaction escapes into the air.

Mix 4 tbsp powdered sugar with 1 tbsp baking soda. Pour some lighter fuel into a bowl of sand. Transfer the mixture of sugar and soda to the center of the bowl and set it on fire. A menacing sugar snake begins to grow!

What kind of snake is 1977? ›

The 1977 Chinese zodiac sign is the Fire Snake, marking a year filled with mystery, wisdom, and transformation. Those born under the 1977 Chinese zodiac are said to be passionate, insightful, and intelligent—destined for success but not without overcoming challenges.

Burning sucrose or ethanol (reaction with oxygen in the air) produces carbon dioxide gas and water vapor: C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁(s) + 12 O₂(g) → 12 CO₂(g) + 11 H₂O(g)

Hypothesis. If more lighter fluid is added, then the duration of the snake growing will increase because the increased concentration of lighter fluid will act with the heat causing more of the sugar and baking soda mixture to burn.

The rising hot air makes the snake spin because of the shape of the spiral. Just like in a pinwheel, the air gives the snake a push in one direction and starts it spinning.