Question

When you combine sulfuric acid with sugar, you will obtain a reaction. Watch the video segment "CandyShop" with the sound off. This video segment shows the reaction between sulfuric acid and sugar. Describe when you know that the initial chemical reaction has taken place and describe further changes and how you know that they are occurring.

Answer 1

The initial chemical reaction of mixing sulfuric acid with sugar is indicated by the charring and blackening of the sugar, which signifies dehydration. The mass then expands, producing heat and steam, due to the exothermic reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you combine sulfuric acid with sugar, a chemical reaction occurs due to the dehydrating properties of sulfuric acid. Initially, you will know that the reaction has taken place when the sugar starts to char and turn black. This is evidence of dehydration, as the sulfuric acid removes water (H2O) from the sugar, leaving a mass composed primarily of carbon. As the reaction proceeds, the mixture will expand and emit heat and steam, a result of the exothermic nature of the reaction. This transformation is not merely charring as in heating sugar with a flame, but a more dramatic reaction where the dehydrating power of sulfuric acid plays the key role.