Amusing Experiments with Sugar

Sugar reacts with different substances to produce many effects. Some of them are fun and here is the black snake experiment and magic wand trick.

Black Snake Experiment

This is one of the awesome experiments that can be done at home, the black snake experiment! The snake consists of mainly carbon which comes from the sugar and this is the reason why the snake is black. There are actually two approaches to make the black snake.

Growing black snake with fire

This method requires ignition of fuel to start the reaction. When the sugar and baking soda mixture is heated, the following reactions occur:

(1) Thermal decomposition of Baking Soda:
     2NaHCO_{3 (s)} → Na₂CO_{3 (s)} + H₂O _(l) + CO_{2 (g)}
Baking soda is added with a reason of producing carbon dioxide and water vapour that help the growth of the carbon snake by making the snake light and airy.

(2) Combustion of Sugar:
     C₁₂H₂₂O_{11 (s)} + 12 O_{2 (g)} → 12 CO_{2 (g)} + 11 H₂O _(g)
However, as the inner part of pile of sugar is hindered, incomplete combustion occurs, forming the snak(carbon) as the final product.

Growing black snake without fire

This method does not require ignition, however, concentrated sulfuric acid (extremely corrosive to skin) is needed. Simply adding concentrated sulfuric acid into sugar can grow the snake. This time the reaction is different:

Dehydration of Sugar:
     C₁₂H₂₂O_{11 (s)} + H₂SO_{4 (l)} → 12 C _(s) + 11 H₂O _(g)
The reaction is highly exothermic. Water is being removed from the sugar by concentrated sulfuric acid, forming carbon and steam as the final product.

Magic Wand

Besides the black snake experiment, the reaction between potassium chlorate and sugar (also known as magic wand and instant fire) is also fascinating.

Potassium chlorate is a strong oxidizing agent and sugar can be easily oxidized. The reaction is initiated by a drop of concentrated sulfuric acid which acts as a catalyst. Due to the high reaction rate, instant purple flame is produced. This reaction can be used in a magic show to mess with your head. But now, you know the trick!

Check the links below to discover the science behind the reaction!!
The Black Snake Experiment
Magic Wand

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