Gummy bears are a type of small, soft candy that are shaped like bears and are made from a mixture of sugar, glucose syrup, starch, flavoring, food coloring, and citric acid. One interesting property of gummy bears is their ability to change size and shape when placed in water.
When gummy bears are placed in water, they absorb the water and swell up. This is because the gummy bear is made up of a network of crosslinked polymers, which are long chains of molecules that are bonded together. When the gummy bear absorbs water, the water molecules get trapped between the polymer chains, causing the gummy bear to expand and become softer.
The rate at which a gummy bear absorbs water depends on its size and shape. Small gummy bears will absorb water faster than larger ones, and gummy bears with a lot of surface area will absorb water faster than those with less surface area. This is because the water has more surface area to interact with, allowing it to penetrate the gummy bear more easily.
Gummy bears can be a fun and tasty science experiment for kids and adults alike. By observing how gummy bears change size and shape when placed in water, we can learn about the properties of polymers and the principles of absorption.
While gummy bears are generally safe to eat, it's important to remember that they are still candy and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, it's important to always follow proper hygiene practices when handling food, such as washing your hands before and after handling gummy bears.
In conclusion, gummy bears are a fun and tasty treat that can also be used as a tool to learn about science. By observing how they change size and shape when placed in water, we can learn about the properties of polymers and the principles of absorption. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation and practice good hygiene when handling food.