Fermentation Balloons Game
Your mission: Get the yeast to produce enough CO₂ to inflate the balloon to its maximum size! Add yeast and sugar, then start the fermentation. Manage the temperature for optimal results. Reach 100% inflation before the time runs out!
Click "Start Game" to begin. First, add yeast, then add sugar. Once both are in, click "Start Fermentation" to begin CO₂ production. Keep an eye on the temperature! Yeast works best around 25-35°C.
The Science Behind Fermentation
Yeast (a type of fungus) consumes sugar in the presence of water and produces ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide gas:
C₆H₁₂O₆ (Sugar) → 2C₂H₅OH (Ethanol) + 2CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide)
This is an anaerobic process, meaning it occurs without oxygen.
- Yeast: The microorganism that carries out the fermentation.
- Sugar: The food source for the yeast.
- Water: Provides the environment for the reaction.
- Temperature: Yeast activity is highly dependent on temperature. Too cold, they are inactive; too hot, they die. Optimal range is typically 25-35°C.
- CO₂ Production: The gas produced inflates the balloon.
Fermentation is crucial in baking (yeast makes bread rise by producing CO₂), brewing alcoholic beverages, and producing biofuels.
