Exploring Gummy Bear Science: Water Immersion, Color Fading, and Molecular Transformations

Safety Guidelines:

1. Strictly prohibit any form of horseplay during the experiment.
2. Avoid consuming any items from potentially contaminated surfaces.
3. Promptly clean up any spills to maintain a safe working environment.

Experiment Protocol: Materials:

1. Gummy bear and gummy worm
2. Ruler (in centimeters)
3. Scale
4. Paper towel

Procedure:

1. Select one gummy bear and one gummy worm for the experiment.
2. Document the color of each gummy.
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3. Utilize the ruler to measure the length, width, and thickness of both gummies.
4. Calculate the volume of each gummy.
5. Measure the mass of each gummy using the scale.
6. Determine the density of each gummy by applying the appropriate formula.
7. Immerse both the gummy bear and gummy worm in a cup of water, allowing them to soak overnight.
8. Remove the gummies from the water and thoroughly dry them using a paper towel.
9. Repeat steps 2 to 6 for the wet gummies.
10. Compare the observed changes in the gummies and draw conclusions based on the results.

Data and Observations
Qualitative Observations: The worm and bear both began to fade into a lighter shade of its original form

Gummy Bear:

Gummy Worm:

Hypothesis:
If the Gummy Bear is immersed in water overnight, there will be observable fading in its color.

Supporting Evidence:
Verification of my hypothesis can be confirmed by examining the recorded data. In the "Bear Color" column, a discernible trend emerges, indicating a gradual fading of the gummy bear's color. This phenomenon is attributed to the process of diffusion, wherein water molecules permeate the gummy bear, displacing its original colors, and subsequently escaping into the surrounding water. The recorded statistics substantiate the claim, providing a clear connection between the immersion in water and the diminishing vibrancy of the gummy bear's color.

Conclusion

The outcome of my experiment aligns with my initial hypothesis, where I anticipated the Gummy Bear to undergo expansion and eventually break apart. As evident in the charts, the volume measurements increased, indicating that the gummy bear absorbed water, causing it to swell and enlarge. Notably, the density exhibited a decrease compared to the original state, reflecting the expansion of gummy bear molecules as they dispersed in the absorbed water, resulting in a less compact structure.

It is noteworthy that my results fall within the realm of average outcomes, with a few exceptions. This observed pattern was consistent among most participants, reinforcing the reliability of the experiment's findings.

Delving into the molecular composition of Gummy Bears, it is essential to recognize that they consist primarily of gelatin. Gelatin, a translucent substance, is derived from the boiling of animal bones or tissues. This molecular insight provides a deeper understanding of the Gummy Bear's response to water absorption, shedding light on the structural changes at a microscopic level.
At the molecular level, the introduction of water to gelatin triggers a fascinating chain of events. The gelatin molecules undergo expansion, and this process is facilitated by the phenomenon of diffusion. As water molecules infiltrate the gelatin structure, they replace certain gelatin molecules, such as coloring agents. This molecular substitution is a key factor in the observed fading of the gummy bears' color over time.

Understanding the density dynamics in objects, particularly polymers like gelatin, is crucial. Higher density indicates a more tightly bound polymer structure, whereas lower density signifies looser molecular connections. Polymers, essentially units stacked together, form elongated chains of molecules within the gelatin structure. Consequently, as water diffuses into the gelatin, the polymeric structure expands. This expansion leads to a decrease in density as water molecules navigate through the gummy bear, contributing to a more dispersed arrangement of molecules and an overall reduction in density. The intricate interplay between water, gelatin, and polymer structures elucidates the observed changes in density during the experiment.