Caramelo de Roca de Azúcar

Cultivo de cristales de azúcar comestibles en un hilo

Crystallization Beginner (Middle School) 25 min ~$4,00

Objetivo

Cultivar grandes cristales de azúcar (sacarosa) en un hilo para crear caramelo de roca, demostrando la supersaturación y la nucleación con un producto comestible.

Antecedentes

Rock candy is made by suspending a string in a supersaturated sugar solution and waiting for crystals to grow. Sugar is unusual in that it is extremely soluble in water (about 2 kg per liter at 100°C) and forms large monoclinic crystals with well-defined facets.

Advertencias de seguridad

  • Sugar syrup is extremely hot — burns risk
  • Supervise children during the boiling step

EPP requerido

goggles

Materiales

  • Granulated sugar (500 g)
    White sugar
  • Water (200 mL)
  • Cotton string (30 cm)
    Unbleached
  • Food coloring (5 drops)
    Optional
  • Flavoring extract (1 tsp)
    Optional

Equipamiento

Saucepan Stove or hot plate Tall glass jar Pencil Clothespin

Procedimiento

1

Heat 200 mL water to boiling in the saucepan. Gradually dissolve 400-500 g sugar, stirring continuously.

10 min Hot syrup — burns risk
2

Remove from heat. Add food coloring and flavoring if desired.

2 min
3

Wet the cotton string with water and roll in granulated sugar to create nucleation sites. Let dry for a few hours.

3 min
4

Pour the cooled (but still warm) sugar solution into the glass jar.

2 min
5

Suspend the prepared string from a pencil across the top of the jar so it hangs in the solution without touching the sides or bottom.

3 min
6

Cover loosely and place in a stable location. Check daily for 5-7 days. Crystals should grow along the string.

5 min

Resultados esperados

After 5-7 days, large sugar crystals (1-3 cm) should form along the string, creating rock candy. Crystals are monoclinic with flat, angled faces. The result is edible.

Limpieza

Excess sugar solution can be reheated and reused. Wash all equipment with warm water.

Detalles

Categoría
Crystallization
Dificultad
Beginner (Middle School)
Duración
25 min
Costo estimado
$4,00
Pasos
6
Materiales
5

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Caramelo de Roca de Azúcar?
Cultivar grandes cristales de azúcar (sacarosa) en un hilo para crear caramelo de roca, demostrando la supersaturación y la nucleación con un producto comestible.
How difficult is Caramelo de Roca de Azúcar?
This experiment is rated as Beginner (Middle School). It takes approximately 25 minutes to complete.
What safety precautions are needed for Caramelo de Roca de Azúcar?
Key safety precautions include: Sugar syrup is extremely hot — burns risk; Supervise children during the boiling step.
What materials are needed for Caramelo de Roca de Azúcar?
The main materials required are: Granulated sugar, Water, Cotton string, Food coloring, Flavoring extract.
What results should I expect from Caramelo de Roca de Azúcar?
After 5-7 days, large sugar crystals (1-3 cm) should form along the string, creating rock candy. Crystals are monoclinic with flat, angled faces. The result is edible.