r/ChemistryIndia

The “Screaming Gummy Bear” demonstration works because gummy bears contain large amounts of sugar, which acts as a fuel source. When dropped into molten potassium chlorate (KClO₃), the compound rapidly decomposes and releases oxygen. The hot, oxygen-rich environment causes the sugar to oxidize extremely quickly, releasing a large amount of energy as heat, light, sound, and expanding gases. The reaction is so energetic because it combines a concentrated fuel source with a powerful oxidizer at high temperature.

Screaming Gummy Bear Reaction