Question about Make a Fire Snake activity

[sandstep]

Type your question below and then press Submit!
I have tried this experiment every spring for the past 5 years, and we have been unsuccessful each and every time! What are we doing wrong? We have followed the directions exactly - even tried the experiment using more lighter fluid and again with less lighter fluid than called for. We've used a small quantity 4:1 mixture and a large quantity 4:1 mixture. The sand lights, a reaction begins, and the reaction stops after the "snake" is no more than 2 inches long. Help!




-------------------------------------
Leave this to help the Experts:
The activity can be viewed at: Make a Fire Snake

[ameyab19]

Hi,

Sounds like the steps are precise. A few possible general factors to consider for stalled growth (can vary by experiment run) could be:

- the flame isn't hot enough - if the lighter fuel (fresh fluid might be better) burns off too quickly, the reaction could stop early
- type of sugar - powdered sugar might work better than granulated sugar as it mixes uniformly and heats evenly
- sand moisture - if the sand has been stored for a long time and has been exposed to humidity/moisture, the heat might go into evaporating water instead of driving the reaction.

Hope this helps and your experiment is a success!

- AB