As a subject matter expert in chemistry with a focus on the interaction of various substances, I can tell you what would happen if you were to place a gummy bear in vinegar.

When you put a gummy bear in vinegar, you are essentially initiating a process that involves the acetic acid in the vinegar reacting with the sugar and gelatin in the gummy bear. Here's a step-by-step description of what happens:


1. Dissolving Process: The acetic acid in vinegar will start to dissolve the sugar and gelatin in the gummy bear. This is because acetic acid is a good solvent for many organic compounds, including the sugars that make up a significant portion of a gummy bear's composition.


2. Texture Change: As the sugar and gelatin dissolve, the gummy bear will start to lose its shape and become less firm. The texture will change from chewy to more of a soft, mushy consistency.


3. Color Release: The vinegar may also cause the artificial colors in the gummy bear to leach out, potentially turning the vinegar a similar color to the gummy bear.


4. Volume Reduction: Over time, as more of the gummy bear's components dissolve, the gummy bear will decrease in size.


5. Potential Formation of a Film: If the gummy bear is left in the vinegar for an extended period, a thin film of gelatin may form on the surface of the vinegar. This is due to the gelatin not fully dissolving and instead congealing as it's exposed to air.


6. Taste Alteration: The gummy bear will take on a sour taste from the vinegar, and its original flavor will be significantly altered or lost.

7.
Nutritional Content: The nutritional content of the gummy bear will change as some of the sugars and possibly some of the vitamins (if the gummy bear contains added vitamins) will dissolve into the vinegar.

8.
Potential for Mold: If the gummy bear is not fully submerged and there is exposure to air, the remaining gummy bear could potentially grow mold over time.

It's important to note that this is a simplified explanation and the actual chemical reactions involved are more complex. Also, the rate at which these changes occur can depend on factors such as the concentration of the vinegar, the size and composition of the gummy bear, and the temperature of the environment.

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Next we put a gummy bear in plain water, sugar water, salt water, vinegar, milk and baking soda water. We let them sit for 12 hours and then checked on them in the morning to see what had happened. ... I explained that osmosis is when a liquid (usually water) moves itself from one side of a membrane to another.read more >>