classic science Mentos and soda experiments,explosive chemistry

When Soda and Mentos Work Together: The Explosive Chemistry Behind the Eruption

The internet is abuzz with videos of a mesmerizing and explosive phenomenon: the Diet Coke and Mentos eruption. But what exactly causes this fizzy spectacle? Let’s dive into the science behind it!

The Players: Diet Coke and Mentos
Diet Coke: A carbonated beverage loaded with dissolved carbon dioxide gas. When you open a bottle, some gas escapes, creating foam.
Mentos: Those seemingly smooth candies harbor a secret—they’re covered in tiny bumps that increase their surface area.
The Physical Reaction
Contrary to popular belief, the eruption isn’t a chemical reaction. Instead, it’s a physical reaction.
As a Mentos candy sinks into a bottle of Diet Coke, its rough surface allows the bonds between carbon dioxide gas and water to break more easily.
The carbon dioxide gas, previously trapped by surface tension, now forms bubbles and rushes out, creating the iconic geyser effect.