Coke and Mentos Experiment

The coke and mentos experiment is an easy and fun experiment to do with anybody. Hidden behind that foam there is also a fascinating scientific explanation for the cause of this reaction.

Even though many people believe that the coke and mentos experiment is a chemical reaction, it is actually a physical one. The reaction between coke and mentos is a nucleation reaction. The carbon dioxide in the soda tries to find a nucleation site, which are tiny bumps that would allow the gas to form bubbles. Mentos are not as smooth as they appear. They are covered in tiny bumps which can act as nucleation sites. When you drop the mento into the coke, it will sink to the bottom, meaning that it starts to react with the soda at the bottom of the bottle. Many bubbles form around the mento and as the bubbles escape, they create a foam that builds up the pressure and leads to the foam shooting out.

Materials:

• Coke (preferably in a bottle)

• Mentos

Procedure:

1. Put the coke outside or somewhere else you don't mind getting messy

2. Place the mentos into the coke and watch it foam