Carbon Sugar Snake: A Fascinating Chemical Reaction Experiment
Time needed: 30 minutes
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Age range: 12+ years
Adult supervision: Required - involves fire and flammable materials
Difficulty level: Intermediate
Age range: 12+ years
Adult supervision: Required - involves fire and flammable materials
What You'll Learn
Watch as common household ingredients create a fascinating chemical reaction that produces a growing "snake" of carbon. This experiment demonstrates decomposition reactions, gas formation, and the principles of thermal decomposition.
Materials Needed
Materials collected: 0/8
5 grams baking soda
20 grams powdered sugar
5-6 cups of sand
150mL white spirit/camping fuel
Metal baking pan
Plastic freezer bag
Fire extinguisher
Large pot lid
Safety Notes
This experiment involves fire and flammable materials - adult supervision required at all times
Keep the original fuel container (primary container) stored far away in a safe place. Only bring your measuring container (secondary container) near the experiment area.
Perform experiment outdoors or in well-ventilated area
Keep fire extinguisher and pot lid nearby for emergency
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Measure out 5 grams of baking soda and 20 grams of powdered sugar
This 1:4 ratio is important - adjust amounts proportionally if needed
2
Mix the baking soda and powdered sugar thoroughly in a freezer bag
Mixture should be uniform in color
3
Create a large mound with 5-6 cups of sand in center of metal pan
Make sure mound is stable and well-shaped
4
Carefully measure 150mL of fuel
Use secondary container and keep primary container far from heat
5
Pour fuel over sand mound, then place sugar/soda mixture in center
6
Verify safety measures, then carefully light the fuel
Watch as the snake begins to form and grow
Watch It In Action
Watch a demonstration of this experiment to see how the snake grows and what to expect. Note how a safe setup is used and how the snake develops over time.
The Science Behind It
The heat causes the sugar to decompose, releasing carbon atoms that form the black "snake" structure.
Baking soda releases carbon dioxide gas, which gets trapped in the carbon structure, causing it to grow upward.
This is an example of a thermal decomposition reaction, where heat breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones.
Common Questions
Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
No, powdered sugar is necessary because its fine particles react more effectively with the heat.
Why didn't my snake grow very tall?
This could be due to incorrect ratios, wet sand, or insufficient fuel. Make sure to follow measurements precisely.
What type of fuel should I use?
You'll need white spirit, camping fuel, or mineral spirits - these may be sold under different brand names in different countries. Look for clean-burning fuel meant for camping stoves or lanterns.
Can I use methylated spirits or rubbing alcohol?
While some sources suggest these alternatives, they typically don't produce as good results. Stick to white spirit or camping fuel for best outcomes.
Take It Further
- Try different ratios of baking soda to sugar to see how it affects snake growth
- Experiment with different sand depths and mound shapes
- Time how long the snake continues to grow
- Measure the final height of your carbon snake
Related Experiments
If you enjoyed this experiment, try these next:
- Growing Crystals - Another experiment involving chemical transormation
- Baking Soda Volcano - Classic chemical reaction demonstration
