======Carbon Sugar Snake======


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**Alternative titles:** Sugar and Baking Soda Snake
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Mix 4 teaspoons of powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small bowl.  
  - Fill a pie tin with sand and form a small mound in the center with a shallow depression at the top.  
  - Carefully soak the sand mound and depression with lighter fluid or ethanol.  
  - Place the sugar–baking soda mixture into the depression at the top of the mound.  
  - Using a lighter or long match, ignite the sand near the mixture and observe as the black snake gradually rises from the burning mound.  
  - Allow the reaction to finish and cool completely before disposal.



====Links==== 
How to Make a Carbon Sugar Snake at Home - Saint Louis Science Center: 
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📄 Carbon Sugar Snake - KiwiCo: [[https://www.kiwico.com/diy/stem/crazy-chemistry/carbon-sugar-snake?srsltid=AfmBOoocR3hH00MADz9l7ZabVqHFKUpT2QryFdLhNP1GoGWb0t4kkhNC]]\\


====Variations====
  * Replace powdered sugar with granulated sugar to compare reaction speed and structure.  
  * Use ethanol instead of lighter fluid for a cleaner ignition source.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Adult supervision required; only older students should attempt this demonstration.  
  * Perform outdoors or in a well-ventilated area on a fireproof surface.  
  * Keep a container of water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of flare-ups.  
  * Tie back long hair and secure loose clothing to avoid accidental ignition.  
  * Do not touch the snake or sand until it has cooled fully, as they can remain hot.  
  * Dispose of the cooled residue safely in household trash; do not attempt to reuse materials.




====Questions to Consider====
  * What gases help inflate and push up the snake? (Carbon dioxide and water vapor from sugar and baking soda decomposition.)  
  * Why does the snake appear black? (It contains carbon formed from sugar breaking down without oxygen.)  
  * What role does baking soda play in the reaction? (It decomposes to sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, helping to produce gas that expands the snake.)  
  * Why is sand used in this experiment? (It distributes heat evenly and slows the burn, allowing the snake to grow gradually instead of burning all at once.)