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Gummi

Short answer: When potassium chlorate is melted, it decomposes and releases oxygen. Dropping in a gummy bear, mostly sugar, sets off a violent, highly exothermic combustion with bright violet-tinged flames, heat and smoke.

It is a classic chemistry demonstration done only with protective equipment. The footage shows a gummy bear burning in a test tube.

VideoWrite-up1 sources
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What should you know about Gummi?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. Potassium chlorate releases oxygen.

    DD-445-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (Oxidizer)

  2. Sugar in the gummy.

    DD-445-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit B (Fuel)

Video transcript: Gummi: A Gummy Bear Dropped Into Molten Potassium Chlorate Bursts Into Flame

Did you know the reaction between a gummy bear and potassium chlorate is a dramatic demonstration of a highly exothermic reaction? When potassium chlorate is heated, it decomposes to release oxygen gas, creating an intensely oxidizing environment. Introducing a gummy bear, which is primarily sugar, a carbohydrate, results in rapid combustion as the sugar reacts with the oxygen. This produces a burst of heat, light, and gas, often accompanied by a loud sizzling sound. NOW YOU KNOW!

Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 24.8s Reel ·

Video coming soonGummi · Instagram Reel
Gummi: A Gummy Bear Dropped Into Molten Potassium Chlorate Bursts Into Flame Instagram Reel · · 24.8s

The write-up

A gummy bear dropped into molten potassium chlorate bursts into flame. The chlorate releases oxygen that burns the sugar.

  1. Exhibit A

    Oxidizer

    Potassium chlorate releases oxygen.

  2. Exhibit B

    Fuel

    Sugar in the gummy.

  3. Exhibit C

    Heat

    Highly exothermic.

  4. Exhibit D

    Color

    Violet from potassium.

  5. Exhibit E

    Safety

    Protective gear needed.

Questions people ask about Gummi

What does potassium chlorate release?

Oxidizer.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Oxidizer) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate

What is the fuel?

Gummy.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Fuel) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate

What kind of reaction?

Heat.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Heat) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate

What flame tint?

Potassium.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Color) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate

What is needed?

Safety.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Safety) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. What does potassium chlorate release?

    1. Oxygen
    2. Hydrogen
    3. Nitrogen
    4. Chlorine gas only
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Oxygen Oxidizer. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Oxidizer) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate

  2. What is the fuel?

    1. Sugar
    2. Salt
    3. Water
    4. Iron
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Sugar Gummy. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Fuel) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate

  3. What kind of reaction?

    1. Exothermic
    2. Endothermic
    3. Nuclear
    4. None
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Exothermic Heat. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Heat) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate

  4. What flame tint?

    1. Violet
    2. Green
    3. Blue
    4. White only
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Violet Potassium. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Color) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate

  5. What is needed?

    1. Protective gear
    2. Nothing
    3. Gloves only
    4. Music
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Protective gear Safety. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Safety) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Gummi." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-445, last updated Jan 1, 2025. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/gummi/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/gummi/ · Last updated

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