Melting Chocolate

Is the sun, at 93,ooo,ooo miles away hot enough to melt frozen chocolate on a cold day of 34 degrees? That was our question. We are just getting started on the elementary Apologia Astronomy book. Chapter 2 is all about the sun and one of the experiments was melting chocolate. How could I deny my kids (and myself) this sweet treat?!! LOL So, with magnifying glasses in hand, we found a spot and hunkered down in the blowing, icy wind. Burrrr!!!

Tyler's magnifying glass focused the sun's light much better. Bobbi's didn't focus much smaller than a nickel and I wasn't sure it would work well. After a few minutes, Tyler checked his chocolate. It was melted and he got it all over his fingers, so why not just eat it.

Yum!!!

Bobbi, on the other hand, was still trying to focus her light beam. After a bit, she checked her chocolate. Turns out it was melted in a spot the size of a nickel.

After a few more seconds, she decided to check her chocolate. Turns out it was melted in a spot the size of the nickel.

Oh, well, experiment over. We must dispose of everything..... by eating it that is. De-lish!!

So, our conclusion is that the sun must be really powerful and hot to melt frozen chocolate on a freezing cold day. We have done the same experiment before except we burned holes in newspaper. Chocolate is much better!!!