How to Oxidize a Gummy Bear

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Wear eye protection (goggles or lab glasses)

   Shorts or skirts are not acceptable. , Sandals or open-toed shoes are not acceptable. , This will keep it away from the open flame. ,, It should be just tight enough to keep the test tube from sliding around. , Tighten the screw to secure the utility clamp to the ring stand. , The opening of the test tube should face away from you or any other people. ,,,,,, If you are close to 2 grams and don’t want to overshoot you can gently tap the scoopula with your index finger to pour a miniscule amount of potassium chlorate into the weighing boat. , Gently squeeze the weighing boat and pour from the corner to avoid spills. ,,,,,,, Make sure to keep your hands away from the top of the burner. ,,,, This should be done quickly before the potassium chlorate cools down and freezes.
   
   Be sure to keep all body parts away from the opening of the test tube. , You should see a bright purple flame inside the test tube.
   
   You should hear a loud crackling noise.
   
   A plume of carbon dioxide should be coming out of the test tube. , This is critical as putting cold water on the heated products will cause the water to boil quickly. ,,,,
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   Step 2: a lab coat

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   Step 3: nitrile gloves

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   Step 4: and a face mask.

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   Step 5: Wear pants that cover the entire leg.

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   Step 6: Wear only closed toed shoes that cover the entire foot.

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   Step 7: If you have long hair

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   Step 8: tie it into a bun.

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   Step 9: Push the rubber hose from the Bunsen burner over the gas source spout.

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    Step 10: Tighten the utility clamp on the center of the test tube by turning the screw.

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    Step 11: Slide the other end of the utility clamp on to the ring stand pole.

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    Step 12: Adjust the test tube so that it is at about a 45 degree angle from the vertical position.

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    Step 13: Place the Bunsen burner below the bottom end of the test tube.

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    Step 14: Adjust the utility clamp so that the bottom of the test tube is about 2 inches from the top of the Bunsen burner.

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    Step 15: Turn on the analytical balance.

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    Step 16: Place the empty plastic weighing boat on the balance.

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    Step 17: Press the zero button so that the balance reads 0.000g with the weighing boat on it.

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    Step 18: Transfer a small amount of potassium chlorate from the bottle to the weighing boat with the scoopula until the balance reads 2.000g or close to it.

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    Step 19: Pour the potassium chlorate from the weighing boat into the test tube.

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    Step 20: Gently tap the test tube to ensure that all the solid is at the bottom.

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    Step 21: Close the potassium chlorate bottle when you are finished.

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    Step 22: Open the valve on the bottom of the Bunsen burner so that a small opening is slightly exposed.

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    Step 23: Turn on the gas so that the handle is parallel to the spout.

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    Step 24: Place the spark lighter directly above the Bunsen burner and squeeze the handle to create a spark and ignite the gas coming from the burner.

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    Step 25: Adjust the valve under the Bunsen burner slowly until a tight bright blue cone of flame can be seen coming out of the Bunsen burner.

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    Step 26: Place the lit Bunsen burner directly below the bottom of the test tube.

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    Step 27: Watch for the potassium chlorate inside the test tube to melt completely.

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    Step 28: Move the Bunsen burner away from the test tube once the potassium chlorate is completely liquid.

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    Step 29: Turn off the gas.

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    Step 30: Using the tongs place the gummy bear in the test tube containing the liquid potassium chlorate.

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    Step 31: Observe as the gummy bear is rapidly oxidized.

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    Step 32: Allow 30 minutes for the test tube and contents to cool.

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    Step 33: Remove the test tube from the utility clamp by loosening the screw.

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    Step 34: Rinse the inside of the test tube with water in the sink.

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    Step 35: Scrub the inside with the test tube brush and liquid soap until all the reaction products have been removed.

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    Step 36: Rinse any other lab equipment that came into contact with the chemicals during the experiment.

Detailed Guide

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