Mentos Explosion

By: Caleb Dunkerly

Systems 3.6.1 – Investigate how and describe

that when parts are put together, they can do things that they could not do

by themselves.

Important Definitions

• Explosion – A violent outburst; a sudden, rapid or great increase

• Mentos – A minty or fruity candy that is hard on the outside but chewable on the inside

• Microscope – An optical instrument that has a magnifying lens

• Fizz – To make a hissing or sputtering sound; to foam

Why do Mentos explode in Diet Coke?

• When Mentos are studied under a microscope, we learn that the Mentos actually have tiny ridges on its surface, like the moon.

• When combined with the Diet Coke, carbon dioxide bubbles are formed in the ridges.

• All of the tiny ridges come together to make the fizzing explosion.

Steps for Explosion

Make sure to do this activity outdoors with a family member’s help!!!

Steps for Explosion

• Cut a strip of tape that measures four inches in length

• Take out five Mentos from the roll• Lay the Mentos on the tape, they should lay just

as they do in the package

Steps for Explosion

• Cut another strip of tape that measures four inches

• Place the strip of tape over the top side of the Mentos

• It is important to make sure they are tight

Steps for Explosion

Now for the fun part!!!• Take off the Diet Coke Lid• Then, carefully drop the stack of Mentos into

the Diet Coke• Take a step back and enjoy the show!

The

ExplosionMentos

+Diet Coke

=An

Explosion

Hmmmm?

If you were to try this experiment, and in place

of the Diet Coke, you substituted water. Do

you think the Mentos and water would have

the same effect as the Mentos in Diet Coke?

The Answer

If you used water in the place of Diet Coke, you would

NOT see the same results. There would be no

fizzing or explosion. The reason being, the Diet

Coke has carbonation which allows it to react to the

Mentos.

When you add Mentos to Diet Coke you see…

a.) nothingb.) slight bubblingc.) fizzing and an explosiond.) none of the above

The Correct Answer Is…

C Great Job! Hope you had

some fun along the way and

learned something

new!!!