Teach kids about solubility of substances in water in this month's Science Sunday.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Do you have leftover candy from the holidays? Here is an extremely quick and easy way to get rid of it, have fun with your kids, and teach them about the solubility of substances.
In this case; water!
What you'll need:
- Candy canes (any kind but the color will depend on what type you use)
- Two glasses/cups/jars
- Access to cold and hot water
I unwrapped the candy canes I was going to use before starting so I would recommend doing the same.
The goal of the experiment is to see what happens when you put a candy cane in cold water vs. hot water. You may want to encourage the kiddos to come up with their own hypothesis! I focused on using only water since I wanted to discuss solubility of water but you can repeat the experiment with other solutions like oil, vinegar, soda, etc.
Once you're ready to get started, make sure the parents or supervising adult does the hot water to avoid any accidents with any children. Put hot water in one jar and cold water in the other. Put one candy cane in the hot water and another in the cold. Set a timer to see how long it takes to notice any changes.
Then, it's time to wait and observe!
What is supposed to happen and why?
Candy canes, and most candy, are made up of sugar molecules (sucrose) which dissolve in water (see: solubility) because they form bonds with the water molecules. Sugar and water molecules will attract each other and form bonds and if the attraction is strong enough... they will separate!
The sugar and water molecules would separate and dissolve regardless of temperature but it happens a lot quicker in the hot water. Why? As the sugar and water molecules attract each other, they collide. At higher temperatures, there are more collisions because the molecules are bouncing around more and faster (see: kinetic energy), allowing the candy cane to break apart and dissolve faster.
What is solubility and kinetic energy?
Solubility is the ability of a substance (often referred to as the solute) to dissolve in a solvent (usually a liquid. In this case, water) and form a solution.
Thekinetic energy of an object is the form of energy it possess due to being in motion.
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FAQs
As the sugar and water molecules attract each other, they collide. At higher temperatures, there are more collisions because the molecules are bouncing around more and faster (see: kinetic energy), allowing the candy cane to break apart and dissolve faster.
Why are there no candy canes in stores? ›
Production of Peppermint Oil has been down by 25 % in the past few years, making the stock of oil substantially lower than it is supposed to be. This shortage, in turn, affects the production of items such as the beloved red and white striped Peppermint Candy Canes!
Why can't I find candy canes? ›
This is because of the global supply chain issues including back-ups at ports, shortages of drivers and service workers. According to the US Department of Agriculture, peppermint production has declined nearly 25-percent over the past decade.
What happened to all the candy canes? ›
And now we're apparently in the thick of what the New York Post has called "the great Candy Cane Crisis of 2021." According to the outlet, some retailers haven't been able to keep candy canes in stock, due to a combination of ongoing supply chain issues and a downturn in this year's peppermint crop.
Which liquid dissolves candy canes the fastest? ›
Which liquid will dissolve the candy canes first? I see some colors starting to come off the hot water. We are now at about 5 minutes. Well, sorry to burst your CO 2 bubble, but hot water still wins for fastest dissolver.
Why are candy canes unhealthy? ›
When you suck on a candy cane, you're spreading sugar around your mouth. Those sugars are then sticking to your teeth and gums and welcoming cavity causing bacteria.
What state is known for candy canes? ›
In the 1920s, a man named Bob McCormack began making candy canes as special Christmas treats for his children, friends and local shopkeepers in Albany, Georgia.
What country is known for candy canes? ›
A common story of the origin of candy canes says that in 1670, in Cologne, Germany, the choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral, wishing to remedy the noise caused by children in his church during the Living Crèche tradition of Christmas Eve, asked a local candy maker for some "sugar sticks" for them.
Is there red 40 in candy canes? ›
This is what's in the average candy cane... Ingredients: SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, PEPPERMINT OIL, RED 40, RED 40 LAKE.
Does Aldi have candy canes? ›
Dominion 12 Peppermint Candy Canes 144g | ALDI.
The Keller Machine revolutionized the business and created a new industry - the commercial manufacture of candy canes. In 2005, Bobs was bought from the McCormack family by Farley & Sathers, which then merged with Ferrara Pan in 2012 to become known as Ferrara Candy Company.
Is there a candy cane shortage this year? ›
Candy makers have been slammed during the pandemic this year, due to high sugar prices, supply crisis and labor shortages. They have been struggling to keep up with demand, according to Reuters.
What is the religious meaning of the candy cane? ›
Cane: Is like the staff used by the shepherds in caring for sheep. Jesus is our “Good Shepherd.” The Color Red: Is for God's love that sent Jesus to give his life for us on the cross. The Stripes: Remind us of Jesus' suffering-his crown of thorns, the wounds in his hands and feet; and the cross on which he died.
What color were candy canes originally? ›
Candy canes were originally solid white, but during the turn of the 20th century stripes started to appear. Prior to the late 19th century, Christmas cards of that period show nothing but plain white candy. Some believe the stripes came from the candy maker Bob McCormack in the 1920s.
What is the chemistry behind candy canes? ›
CANDY CANE CHEMISTRY
Candy canes are created by boiling a mixture of water, sugar (sucrose), and corn starch to create a syrup, to which peppermint flavouring is added. Menthol is the chemical in peppermint that makes your mouth feel cold – it triggers cold-sensitive receptors.
What is the science behind dissolving candy corn? ›
The Science Of Dissolving Candy Corn
Both water and sugar are polar molecules. When the candy corn is added to the water, the water molecules surround the candy molecules and pull them away from each other, making the candy disappear into the water.
Why do candy canes melt? ›
Over time they can break all the sugar molecules apart, which dissolves the candy cane. The heat in hot water makes the molecules move faster, which is why the hot water dissolves the candy cane faster than the cold water.
What is the candy solubility experiment? ›
Fill a clear glass or bowl half-full with water. Drop a few M&M's into the water. Allow the M&M's to soak in the water for 10-20 minutes. As the M&Ms sit in the water, you will witness the colored dyes start to dissolve into the water.
