Sunday Science Tidbit; Coke and Mentos

Posted: Oct 30, 2016 / 05:24 PM EDT

Updated: Oct 30, 2016 / 05:24 PM EDT

This week’s Sunday Science Tidbit takes a look at a fun and easy project you can do with the kids at home, the classic coke and mentos experiment.

Soda is carbonated meaning it has carbon dioxide that is bonded with water. When you pour yourself a glass of soda, you may notice fizz. That’s some of the carbon dioxide bubbles escaping, the other bubbles are kept in the drink thanks to surface tension.

Mentos may feel smooth but are actually very porous or filled with teeny tiny holes perfect for growing carbon dioxide bubbles.

Since the bubbles want to rise, they do not linger on the mentos very long and the cycle can continue until you see a soda fountain!

Here’s what you’ll need: a 2-liter of soda, mentos – the more the merrier, plenty of space outside, and make sure to wear clothes you’re not afraid to get dirty! I enlisted in the help of Kelly Byrne and we put the experiment to the test! See the video above!

Want to get the best explosion? Make sure the soda is not cold. The warmer soda allows for more gases thus leading to a bigger explosion! Do not crush up the mentos. The heavier they are, the faster they sink, and the more reaction you’ll get! Also, diet sodas have (as-per-tame) which lowers the surface tension more allowing for more bubbles!

~ Meteorologist Candice Boling