Question about Make a Fire Snake activity

[sandstep]

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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!




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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

[amyCC]

I'm sorry to hear that this activity has not worked as expected for you in the past.

In addition to the great suggestions from AB, can you let us know what type of sand you are using?

While the materials don't specify (other than that it be dry), if you have tried this with coarse sand, you may find that using very fine sand makes a difference.

Amy
Science Buddies