Soda Fountains

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKoB0MHVBvM
This is a youtube video of a reaction with Mentos and Diet Coke. When the Mentos and the Diet Coke combine, they create a huge explosion. This is due to the caffeine, potassium benzoate, aspartame, and CO2 gas contained in the Diet Coke and the gelatin and gum arabic ingredients of the Mentos. The surface of the Mentos has many small holes, which allow CO2 bubbles to form very rapidly, according to a 2006 episode of Mythbusters. The reaction will only work with mint Mentos, because fruit flavored Mentos have a smooth coating that hinders the formation of the CO2 bubbles. I found this interesting because it is such a large explosion created by ingredients that we eat on a daily basis. It shows just how different reactions can be based on the combination of chemicals.

Posted by Rathi Ramasamy