Carbon Sugar Snake Experiment (Chemistry)

BeardedScienceGuy

3 Jul 201902:48

Summary

TLDRIn this engaging science experiment, the video demonstrates how to create a 'carbon snake' using baking soda, powdered sugar, and Coleman's Lantern Fuel. The process involves mixing the ingredients in a 1:4 ratio, placing them on a mound of sand, and igniting the fuel. The resulting reaction produces a growing black structure as carbon dioxide gas forms within the mixture. Safety precautions are emphasized, including the use of a secondary glass container and having a fire extinguisher on standby. The video also discusses the impact of different alcohol types and environmental factors on the experiment's success.

Takeaways

🔬 The experiment demonstrates the creation of a 'carbon snake' using baking soda and powdered sugar.
🧪 A 1:4 ratio of baking soda to powdered sugar is used, but any ratio will work.
👨‍🍳 Mixing the ingredients in a freezer bag is suggested for ease of use.
🏺 A metal baking pan and a mound of sand are used to contain the experiment.
⚱️ Coleman's Lantern Fuel is poured onto the sand to act as a fuel source.
🔥 Safety precautions include using a secondary glass container for flammable liquids and keeping a fire extinguisher nearby.
🧯 In case of a fire, a pot lid can be used to smother the flames.
🌐 The experiment involves the decomposition of baking soda and sugar, which produces carbon dioxide gas.
🐍 The carbon snake grows taller as the gas gets trapped in the carbon, forming a snake-like structure.
🚫 The video mentions that 91% isopropyl alcohol did not work as effectively as Coleman's Lantern Fuel in creating a long snake.
📺 The experiment is demonstrated by 'Bearded Science Guy' and can be viewed on Facebook and YouTube.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the experiment described in the transcript?
-The main purpose of the experiment is to create a carbon snake using baking soda and powdered sugar, which is a visual demonstration of a chemical reaction.
What materials are required for this experiment?
-The materials required for the experiment include a metal baking pan, a pot lid, thermal gloves, a fire extinguisher, sand, powdered sugar, baking soda, a glass container, Coleman's Lantern Fuel, and a lighter.
What is the ratio of baking soda to powdered sugar used in the experiment?
-The ratio of baking soda to powdered sugar used in the experiment is 1:4, with 5 grams of baking soda and 20 grams of powdered sugar.
Why is a secondary glass container recommended when handling flammable liquids?
-A secondary glass container is recommended to safely handle flammable liquids because it allows for easy smothering in case of a fire, preventing the primary container from catching fire which could result in a more dangerous situation.
What is the role of the sand in the experiment?
-The sand serves as a heat insulator and a platform for the fuel to burn, allowing the experiment to be conducted safely and providing a stable base for the reaction.
How much Coleman's Lantern Fuel is measured out for the experiment?
-150 milliliters of Coleman's Lantern Fuel is measured out for the experiment.
What safety precautions are emphasized in the transcript?
-The safety precautions emphasized include using a secondary glass container for flammable liquids, keeping the primary container away from heat or ignition sources, and having a fire extinguisher ready.
What happens when the fuel is lit in the experiment?
-When the fuel is lit, the white powder (baking soda and sugar mixture) turns black, and after a few minutes, it starts to grow taller, forming a carbon snake.
What is the chemical process behind the formation of the carbon snake?
-The chemical process involves the decomposition of baking soda and sugar, which produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas gets trapped in pockets of black carbon, causing the snake to grow taller.
Why might 91% isopropyl alcohol not work as effectively as Coleman's Lantern Fuel in this experiment?
-The transcript suggests that the type of sand used or the humidity in the air might affect the effectiveness of 91% isopropyl alcohol in creating a long carbon snake, as it was not successful in the experimenter's trials.
Where can viewers find more science videos similar to this experiment?
-Viewers can find more science videos on the Bearded Science Guy's Facebook and YouTube channels.

Outlines

00:00

🔬 Carbon Snake Experiment with Baking Soda and Powdered Sugar

The video script describes a carbon snake experiment utilizing baking soda and powdered sugar. The necessary materials include a metal baking pan, pot lid, thermal gloves, fire extinguisher, sand, powdered sugar, baking soda, a glass container, Coleman's Lander Fuel, and a lighter. The process begins with measuring a 1:4 ratio of baking soda to powdered sugar, mixing them in a freezer bag. A mound of sand is placed in the center of the metal pan, and 150 milliliters of Coleman's Lantern fuel is poured over it. Safety precautions are emphasized, such as using a secondary glass container for flammable liquids and keeping it away from heat sources. The mixture is placed in the center of the sand mound, and the fuel is lit. The experiment results in the formation of a black carbon structure that grows taller as the baking soda and sugar decompose, releasing carbon dioxide gas. The video also mentions that 91 isopropyl alcohol was not effective for creating a long snake, possibly due to the type of sand or air humidity. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to share the video and explore more science content on social media platforms.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Carbon Snake Experiment

The 'Carbon Snake Experiment' is the central theme of the video, demonstrating a chemical reaction that results in the formation of a 'snake' made of carbon. This experiment is a visual and educational way to illustrate the decomposition of baking soda and sugar, which produces carbon dioxide and carbon. The experiment is conducted using baking soda, powdered sugar, and Coleman's Lantern fuel, and the term is used throughout the script to describe the process and the outcome.

💡Baking Soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a key chemical used in the experiment. It is a white crystalline solid that is commonly used in cooking and as a cleaning agent. In the context of the video, baking soda reacts with sugar to produce carbon dioxide gas and carbon, which is a crucial part of the 'Carbon Snake' formation. The script mentions measuring out 5 grams of baking soda as part of the experiment setup.

💡Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is another essential ingredient in the experiment. It is a finely ground sugar used in baking and confections. In the video, it is mixed with baking soda in a 1:4 ratio to create the reaction that leads to the carbon snake. The script describes mixing 20 grams of powdered sugar with the baking soda, highlighting its role in the chemical reaction.

💡Coleman's Lantern Fuel

Coleman's Lantern Fuel is a type of fuel used in the experiment to ignite the mixture of baking soda and sugar. The fuel serves as the heat source that initiates the decomposition process. The script specifies measuring out 150 milliliters of this fuel and pouring it onto the sand mound before adding the sugar and baking soda mixture.

💡Thermal Gloves

Thermal gloves are safety equipment mentioned in the script, used to protect the hands from heat and potential burns during the experiment. They are essential when handling hot materials or substances, such as the sand and fuel used in the carbon snake experiment, ensuring the safety of the person conducting the demonstration.

💡Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is a safety device highlighted in the script for use in case of a fire during the experiment. It is a crucial piece of safety equipment that can quickly put out small fires, preventing them from escalating. The script emphasizes the importance of having a fire extinguisher close by before lighting the fuel.

💡Safety Precautions

Safety precautions are a significant aspect of the video, emphasizing the need for careful handling of flammable materials and chemicals. The script discusses using a secondary glass container for flammable liquids, keeping primary containers away from heat sources, and the proper use of a pot lid to smother any accidental fires, underlining the importance of safety in scientific experiments.

💡Decomposition

Decomposition, in the context of the video, refers to the chemical process where baking soda and sugar break down when heated, producing carbon dioxide and carbon. This process is central to the experiment, as it leads to the growth of the carbon snake. The script explains that the trapped carbon dioxide gas inside the carbon pockets causes the snake to grow taller.

💡Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a gas produced during the decomposition of baking soda and sugar in the experiment. It is a colorless, odorless gas that plays a key role in the carbon snake's growth. The script describes how carbon dioxide gets trapped in the carbon pockets, contributing to the snake's increasing height.

💡Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is mentioned as an alternative fuel source in the script, although it was not successful in creating a long carbon snake in the experimenter's trials. It is a common solvent and disinfectant, and in scientific experiments, it can be used as a fuel due to its flammable nature. The script notes that the type of sand or humidity might affect the outcome when using isopropyl alcohol.

💡Bearded Science Guy

The 'Bearded Science Guy' is the presenter or host of the video, as indicated by the closing remarks. He is likely the person conducting the experiment and explaining the science behind it. The term is used to identify the creator of the content and to encourage viewers to explore more of his science videos on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube.

Highlights

Experiment involves creating a carbon snake using baking soda and powdered sugar.

Materials needed include a metal baking pan, pot lid, thermal gloves, fire extinguisher, sand, powdered sugar, baking soda, glass container, Coleman's Lantern Fuel, and a lighter.

A 1:4 ratio of baking soda to powdered sugar is recommended for the mixture.

Mixing the baking soda and sugar in a freezer bag simplifies the process.

Safety measures include using a secondary glass container for flammable liquids and keeping primary containers away from heat sources.

If the secondary container catches fire, it can be easily extinguished with a pot lid.

Primary container fires can be dangerous due to potential melting and spreading of flames.

Coleman's Lantern Fuel is poured onto a mound of sand as part of the setup.

The sugar and baking soda mixture is placed in the center of the fuel-soaked sand.

Having a fire extinguisher nearby is crucial for safety.

Lit fuel leads to the decomposition of baking soda and sugar, producing carbon dioxide.

The carbon snake grows taller as carbon dioxide gas gets trapped in the black carbon.

The experiment demonstrates the decomposition and gas trapping process visually.

91% isopropyl alcohol was not effective in creating a long carbon snake in the experiment.

Factors like sand type and air humidity may affect the experiment's outcome.

The video is from the Bearded Science Guy channel, which features various science experiments.

Viewers are encouraged to share the video and explore more science content on social media platforms.