Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

For my science fair topic I have to make beaker stomachs but I'm not sure what to use. My science teacher said that the school has a budget that we can you to by the chemicals I need to make the beaker stomach. I need to know what I need to make a the beaker stomach. As I was looking around on different websites I saw that some people use hydrochloric acid and water. I also so some people use HCL. I was also wondering what that stands for. My science fair topic is " How does the sugar level in gum help it break down in the stomach" any ideas I am open for and I really need it ASAP if you can help. thank you

Hi sberg123,

I'm not an expert, but your project seems similar to the one I did last year. I would suggest that you look over these sciencebuddies project idea because it shows how you can make a stomach environment:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p045.shtml

This one explains what you do with acid, specifically HCL:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #procedure

I don't suggest putting both HCL and protease enzyme together because the enzyme may become denatured.

By the way HCL is just an abbreviation for Hydrochloric acid. HCL is also dangerous to touch, so you should wear a mask, safety goggles and gloves when you make dilutions. Try to do some research on stomach environments to think of more variables you can add.

Hope this helps!
CMS