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Ryan Keany

Mrs. Stevens & Mrs. Radcliffe

Honors Life Science

13 January 2017

What Kind of Sugar Creates the Largest Fire Snake?

Have you ever seen a black snake growing out of sand? Well, with this experiment you

can! A snake like form is created through the combustion of baking soda and sugar. Different

types of sugars are thought to create multiple results. I think that if I use either white or brown

sugar in the creation of a fire snake, then the white sugar will create the largest fire snake

What is Flammability and how do External Conditions Affect the Effectiveness of the Fire Snake

Experiment?

Flammability is, as defined in Dictionary.com, Easily set on fire; combustible;

inflammable(Definition). This combustibility can be greatly affected by external conditions. If

humidity is low then the weather will dry all of the materials which causes quick and effective

combustion. On the other hand, if the humidity is high then moisture with corrupt the fuel

making it more difficult to combust. Likewise, wind can cause fire spread but it also affects the

amount of oxygen that the fire receives which can dry out the fuel. In addition, wind causes the

fire to burn in the direction of which the wind is blowing from. Even the age of the fuel can

affect how well the fire burns. All of these factors and more can affect fires as well as the fire

snake experiment, so keeping the conditions stable is the best solution to controlling factors that

may skew the results (Fire).

What is the Most Effective Way to Measure the Volume of an Irregularly Shaped Object?
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Volume is the space that an area takes up. To measure the volume of an irregularly

shaped object, you can use the water displacement method. To perform this method, you would

first fill up a bucket of water to the brim. Then you place the object in the water. A certain

amount of water will fall out of the bucket, which equals the volume of the object. Measure the

displaced water to get the correct volume. If you however, doubt this method then you can test it

with a shape with a known volume such as a box. To find the volume of a square multiply the

base, width, and height all together (Kurtus).

What is Surface Area? And How Does Surface Area Affect the Creation of a Fire Snake?

According to Science Learning Hub The bigger the surface area, the more oxygen

molecules can collide with the surface. This means that with a larger surface area, a fire would

burn faster. However, exposing more fuel to the flame causes it to burn out. For example, cut up

wood will burn for a shorter time than if left whole (Fire). If you would like to measure the

surface area of an object, there are a two different mathematical formulas depending on the shape

of the object. If it is a circular object, then find the radius, square it, then multiply that number by

pi. If it is a rectangular object, then multiply width times length. For all other shapes, look up the

formula online (Surface).

What Chemical Reactions Occurs During the Fire Snake Experiment?

To create the fire snake, combine baking soda and sugar then light it on fire. A

combustion occurs releasing carbon dioxide and water vapor. The chemical formula for this

reaction is 12H22O11 + 12O2 12CO2 + 11H2O. As the sugar breaks down, it forms a

combination of carbon dioxide and water vapor is released. The chemical formula for this is

12H22O11 12C + 11H2O. The carbon dioxide and water vapor are what make the carbon
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snake feel airy and light to the touch. The decomposition of baking soda creates sodium

carbonate, carbon dioxide, and water vapor (MEL). The carbon dioxide creates pressure which

causes the snake to grow out (Hooked).

What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken when Creating a Fire Snake?

Performing an experiment with fire can be very dangerous and harmful especially for

children, so some safety precautions should be in place. First, have an adult present to supervise

(Science). Secondly, wear a fireproof apron (Slinkard). Third, do not eat nor drink near the

experiment. Harmful chemicals can get in your food and poison you. Fourth, wear eye protection

such as goggles. Never touch the experiment until you can be completely sure it has cooled.

Finally, always keep a bowl of water or fire extinguisher near by in case of emergency. In all,

always perform your experiment in a controlled environment. This is how to perform an

experiment safely (MEL).

What are the Differences Between Brown and White Sugar?

It is found that there is a distinct difference between white and brown sugar. In the case

of white sugar, molasses is mixed in with raw sugar. They then undergo washing with hot water

and are separated from each other by centrifugation and filtration. The final product of white

sugar is 99.9% sucrose (Millar). White sugar can be found in many natural fruits as well as

sugarcane and sugar beets (Cyndie). In the case of brown sugar, molasses is added to white

sugar, and the product is a lumpy brown substance. Both of these sugars can contain between

3.5% molasses to 6.5% molasses. While eating these sugars, you may also find a difference in

taste and texture. Brown sugar is much softer, and more moist. On the other hand, white sugar is

harder or grainier and more pure (Millar).

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If I use either white or brown sugar in the creation of a fire snake, then the white sugar

will create the largest fire snake. While this experiment may not appear to have a direct

correlation to anything practically, it can be argued that it does. This experiment can represent

the chemical reactions going on in our stomachs. Through my research, I have found that there is

an extra additive in brown sugar that sets it apart from white. From my experiment, I will be able

to conclude whether or not this extra additive can cause more or less disruption in our stomachs.

Works Cited
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Cyndie. "White, Raw, Brown - Sugar: What Are the Differences?" Mademoiselle Slimalicious.

2016 MADEMOISELLE SLIMALICIOUS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 06 July 2015.

Web. 03 Nov. 2016.

<http://www.mslimalicious.com/2012/04/white-raw-brown-sugar-what-are.html>.

"Fire Behaviour." Science Learning Hub RSS. 2007-2016 The University of Waikato, 19 Nov.

2009. Web. 07 Nov. 2016.

<http://sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Fire/Science-Ideas-and-Concepts/Fire-behaviour>.

Hooked on Science: 'Black Snake' Experiment. South East Missourian, 03 July 2013. Web.

Nov.-Dec. 2016. <http://www.semissourian.com/story/1983035.html>.

Kurtus, Ron. "Fluids Demonstration: Measure Volume of Irregularly Shaped Object." Fluids

Experiment: Measure Volume of Irregularly Shaped Object by Ron Kurtus by Ron

Kurtus. The School for Champion, 03 May 2007. Web. 03 Nov. 2016.

<http://www.school-for-champions.com/experiments/fluids_measure_volume.htm>.

"MEL Science." Sugar Snake. MEL Science 2015-2016, 13 May 2015. Web. 01 Nov. 2016.

<https://melscience.com/en/experiments/sugar-snake/>.

Millar, Susan. "Difference Between Brown Sugar & Sugar in the Raw." Healthy Eating.

StudioD, n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2016.

<http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/difference-between-brown-sugar-sugar-raw-9244.html>.

"Science Lab Equipment." 5 Safety Precautions to Ensure Safe Use of. Radial Info, n.d. Web. 01

Nov. 2016. <http://radialinfo.com/science-lab-safety-precautions.php>.

Slinkard, Janis. "Interview of Mrs. Slinkard." Personal interview. 14 Nov. 2016.

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"Surface Area Formulas." Surface Area Formulas. 2000-2005 Math.com, n.d. Web. 07 Nov.

2016. <http://www.math.com/tables/geometry/surfareas.htm>.

"The Definition of Flammable." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, LLC, n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2016.

<http://www.dictionary.com/browse/flammable>.