Bala de Açúcar Cristalizado

Cultivo de cristais de açúcar comestíveis em um palito

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

Objetivo

Cultivar grandes cristais de açúcar (sacarose) em um palito para criar doces cristalizados, demonstrando a supersaturação e a nucleação com um produto comestível.

Contexto

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.

Avisos de segurança

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

EPI necessário

goggles

Materiais

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

Equipamentos

Saucepan Stove or hot plate Tall glass jar Pencil Clothespin

Procedimento

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.

Limpeza

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

Detalhes

Categoria
Crystallization
Dificuldade
Beginner (Middle School)
Duração
25 min
Custo estimado
$4,00
Passos
6
Materiais
5

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Bala de Açúcar Cristalizado?
Cultivar grandes cristais de açúcar (sacarose) em um palito para criar doces cristalizados, demonstrando a supersaturação e a nucleação com um produto comestível.
How difficult is Bala de Açúcar Cristalizado?
This experiment is rated as Beginner (Middle School). It takes approximately 25 minutes to complete.
What safety precautions are needed for Bala de Açúcar Cristalizado?
Key safety precautions include: Sugar syrup is extremely hot — burns risk; Supervise children during the boiling step.
What materials are needed for Bala de Açúcar Cristalizado?
The main materials required are: Granulated sugar, Water, Cotton string, Food coloring, Flavoring extract.
What results should I expect from Bala de Açúcar Cristalizado?
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.