Disappearing Acts
Why Does Cotton Candy Vanish in Water? A Sweet Science Lesson
If you've ever accidentally dropped cotton candy into a puddle or drink, you've probably witnessed its magical disappearance. It's like a sugary ghost vanishing into thin air! But why does this happen? Let's break it down.
Cotton Candy's Secret: It's Mostly Air
Cotton candy may look substantial, but it's an illusion. It's primarily made of spun sugar, which is formed by heating and rapidly spinning sugar until it melts. This process creates thin strands that trap a lot of air, giving cotton candy its fluffy appearance. In fact, cotton candy is about 99% air!
The Science Behind the Disappearance
When cotton candy comes into contact with water, a few things happen:
Dissolving: Sugar is highly soluble in water. The water molecules break down the sugar strands, causing them to dissolve.
Air Release: As the sugar dissolves, the air trapped within the cotton candy is released. This is why you often see bubbles forming as cotton candy melts.
Diffusion: The dissolved sugar molecules spread out evenly throughout the water, resulting in a sweetened solution.
So, Where Does the Cotton Candy Go?
It doesn't truly disappear; it simply changes form. The sugar dissolves into the water, and the air is released, leaving behind a slightly sweet liquid.
Cotton Candy Drinks
How can we take advantage of this magic trick? Cotton Candy spiked beverages! Pour champagne over it, use it instead of sugar in cocktails, swap your sugar cubes for spun sugar on a coffee bar, or garnish your glass with the colorful treat. If you can dream it, Spun Whimsy can provide you with custom colored and flavored cotton candy for your party or event!
