# Gummi (DD-445)

> 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.

- Department: Science
- First published: 2025-01-01
- Last updated: 2025-01-01
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/gummi/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-445-F01**: Potassium chlorate releases oxygen. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Oxidizer))_
- **DD-445-F02**: Sugar in the gummy. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Fuel))_

## Write-up

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

1. **Oxidizer**: Potassium chlorate releases oxygen.
2. **Fuel**: Sugar in the gummy.
3. **Heat**: Highly exothermic.
4. **Color**: Violet from potassium.
5. **Safety**: Protective gear needed.

## Related case files

- [A Real Hot Head (DD-300)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/a-real-hot-head/): I linked more burning chemistry

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

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

- Duration: 24.8 s · Published: 2025-01-01
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/DERxKBRqGw-.mp4

### Transcript

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!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What does potassium chlorate release?**  
A: Oxidizer. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Oxidizer) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate)_

**Q: What is the fuel?**  
A: Gummy. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Fuel) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate)_

**Q: What kind of reaction?**  
A: Heat. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Heat) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate)_

**Q: What flame tint?**  
A: Potassium. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Color) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate)_

**Q: What is needed?**  
A: Safety. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Safety) · Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Potassium chlorate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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/