The power of bubbles
Lab Report
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the experiment was to demonstrate fermentation. Fermentation uses an organism to break down a substance creating Co2 and ethyl alcohol. The study of fermentation is called zymology. In this experiment, we showed this process using yeast and sugar, where yeast was the organism and sugar was the substance it broke down. The chemical equation that represents this reaction is C6H12O6 → 2 C2H5OH + 2 CO2. The purpose of the balloon was to prove our science. The balloon demonstrated this by us being able to “see” the carbon dioxide that was created, which happened when the balloon blew up on its own.
OBSERVATIONS: HOW DOES THIS EXPERIMENT ‘LOOK’ LIKE MAGIC?
This experiment resembles magic because it seems as if the balloon is blowing up on its own. Normally to blow up a balloon one would need to blow into it because we exhale carbon dioxide. The only reason the balloon was capable of completing this trick was because the reaction of the chemicals we used released CO2 when it bubbled up and pushed it into the balloon. In our video specifically, going along with our theme as people with superpowers, we made it seem as if “mind control” was blowing it up, but in fact it was science.
MATERIAL LIST:
Chemicals
| Chemical Name & Formula | Amount: grams/milliliters |
| Yeast/C19H14O2
|
14.7868 ml |
| Sucrose/ C12 H22O11 | 9.85784 ml |
| Water/Dihydrogen monoxide/ H2O (Heated) | 150 ml |
Other supplies
| Empty Plastic Bottle | Measuring cup (for liquids) |
| Teaspoon | Two mini containers |
| Balloon | |
| Funnel |
PROCEDURE: (add any changes that were necessary/made)
Step 1: Collect all materials listed above and set them on a clean surface.
Step 2: Heat water using a kettle or a microwave. *Note the water should not be boiling, just warm.
Step 3: Once water is heated and is at a warm temperature bring it to the working area then measure out to 150ml with the liquid measuring cup. (Make sure the water bowl/cup is not too warm to carry, if needed, wear oven mitts.)
Step 4: Measure out the 15 ml yeast and 10 ml sugar into small separate containers.
Step 5: Using the funnel pour the water into the bottle at a steady pace.
Step 6: Using the funnel, pour pre-measured yeast into the empty bottle.
Step 7: Using the funnel, pour pre-measured sugar/sucrose into the empty bottle.
Step 8: Place the balloon directly over the opening of the bottle.
Step 9: Pick up the bottle and swirl the mixture till combined.
Step 10: Wait for 30-60 minutes and watch as your balloon fills up with carbon dioxide and ethyl alcohol.
Step 11: Once the balloon is blown to full size enjoy the magic before cleaning up.
Step 12: When you are finished, carefully remove the balloon and throw it in the waste, the mixture can be composted, and the bottle should be washed with bleach and regular soap, and water and recycled.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, we used fermentation which produced ethyl alcohol and Co2 to blow up a balloon on its own resembling magic. This process is used for so much more than simply blowing up a balloon. It is used specifically for foods such as alcohol, cheese, and bread. Fermentation is something most of us use in our daily lives and it can be useful to learn how it’s really done. This experiment was the perfect example to simply show the science behind the amazing study of zymology.