THE SNAKE EXPERIMENT

THE SNAKE EXPERIMENT

-       By Shubham Sahu

-       Batch(2k18), Deptt. of Chemical Engg.

-       BIT Sindri, Dhanbad

Serpentes (Snake), a carnivorous organism of reptile kingdom is an elongated legless creature whose hissing tune sends a shivering thrill down the spine.

Be it venomous or non venomous, the human - snake conflict has always been a terrific experience. List of snakes include Python, Viper, Cobra, Anaconda, Kraits, Russell and many more.

But why are we discussing snakes today?

Chemistry is fun. For many, chemistry is mystery. But the mere presence of exceptions, does not fade away its charm. Observing the transition in colors in well ventilated rooms, inhaling the mixture of pungent and fruity smell gives an enriching experience.

The present demonstration depicts the formation of snake like structure, hence the title, “The Snake Experiment “. We all must have encountered kids playing with this kind of crackers in Diwali.  Unlike Pharaoh’s snake experiment which uses mercury thiocyanate, this experiment makes use of powdered sugar with baking soda.

 

PROCEDURE:

a)    Take a bowl. Fill it up with sand.

b)    Spray ethanol or any other light fuel (e.g. Kerosene) on the surface of sand.

c)     Prepare a mixture of powdered cane sugar and baking soda in the ratio of 4: 1 (40g sugar and 10g baking soda).

d)    Place the mixture in the center of the bowl.

e)     Ignite the mixture.

 

EXPLANATION:

 

Three chemical reactions occur when the snake is lit. Sodium bicarbonate breaks down into sodium carbonate, water vapour, and carbon dioxide.

2NaHCO₃(s) → Na₂CO₃(s) + H₂O(g) + CO₂(g)

Burning sucrose or ethanol (reaction with oxygen) in the air produces carbon dioxide gas and water vapour.

C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁(s) + 12O₂(g) → 12CO₂(g) + 11H₂O(g)

C₂H₅OH(l) + 3O₂(g) → 2CO₂(g) + 3H₂O(g)

Some of the sucrose does not burn, but merely decomposes at the high temperature, giving off elemental carbon and water vapour.

C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁(s) → 12C(s) + 11H₂O(g)

The carbon produced in the reaction makes the snake black. The overall process is exothermic enough that the water produced in the reaction gets vaporized. This steam, in addition to the carbon dioxide produced, makes the snake lightweight and airy which allows it to grow to a large size from a comparably small amount of initial material.

 

I firmly believe this microsnake(15-50cm) will remind the Potterheads of Lord Voldemort’s Nagini, one of the eight horcruxes which was eventually killed by Mr. Neville Longbottom with the help of Gryffindor’s sword.

During these uncertain times, locked in one’s home, supersaturated with boredom, this experiment might add a drop of vigour in the life of budding chemists. With easily accessible ingredients, this experiment is worth trying.

 

SOME FACT ON SNAKES:

HUNGER GAMES

Snakes are well known for going long periods between meals, but some can actually survive for over 2 years with no food, and can digest their own heart when starved for too long.

STARING CONTEST

Don’t get into a staring contest with a snake. It is not a battle you will win. Snakes have no eyelids and can’t blink. Instead of eyelids they have a thin layer of transparent skin called brille that covers and protect their eyes.

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