Concerning a Chemical Reaction Experiment?

Question

Before I start, I'd like to say that I have my teacher's pemission to use outside resource, and that it will be cited in my homework assignment. Our assignment in chemistry class is to figure out what two substances went into this reaction based on observations. Two beakers sat in front of us, one was filled with white granules, very similar to sugar. The other was a transparent liquid, no odor, and looked no different than water. When the two were combined, the compound turned bright yellow, then orange, red, brown, black, and upon turning black emitted a thick burst of gas. The compound began to rise, and continued rising outside of the beaker until it had formed a two foot high cylinder. It was black, and filled with small holes. Our teacher informed us the beaker was very hot. I am trying to figure out what two chemicals went into this compound- what do you believe they are?

The cylinder was cool to the touch and solid enough to poke and prod without it breaking. It was brittle/could be easily broken, however.

Viscosity was one of the observations I took but forgot to include. I specifically checked the viscosity and it did not appear any different than water.

Also, the teacher did not let us touch the cylinder- she herself did it and with thick gloves on.

Answer 1

It is a very interesting sight. I wish my teacher showed me this when I was in school.
However, I will still venture a guess based on what you saw, which I believe the account is very objective and vivid.
I would believe that the white powder is as you said, granular sugar!
You have not described the viscosity of the liquid, if you did, it would have been a give-away. It would probably be a heavy liquid that has a specific gravity of 1.842, which we generally call concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4).
The reaction you saw was the dehydration of sugar (C12H22O11).by the concentrated sulphuric acid, the product: water and carbon. When everything cooled down, the carbon would be crusty, and can be poked through. I doubt you teacher let you do it with your bare fingers, because if some concentrated acid was left over, it will be your finger that will suffer the consequences of the sugar.
I hope I made a good guess, as I have not seen the experiment before. Do let us know when your teacher gives the answers.

Answer 2

certainly, no, it quite is not "typical" for contrails to burn up after a jiffy. Dissipation rates selection a great deal based upon atmospheric circumstances, maximum especially relative humidity. they are, after all, composed of water vapour/ice crystals. It does have a touch severe albedo. by how, the radiothermal turbines used in area probes are incapable of producing nuclear explosions, nor meltdown, nor "severe mass". they do no longer seem to be even present technique fission. solid attempt at bafflegab, nevertheless.

Answer 3

I thing that you have a rich imagination.