1. Mentos Explosion
By:Caleb Dunkerly

2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. Steps for Explosion
Make sure to do this activity outdoors with a family members help!!!
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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!
9. The Explosion
Mentos
+
Diet Coke
=
An Explosion
10. 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?
11. 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.
12. When you add Mentos to Diet Coke you see
a.) nothing
b.) slight bubbling
c.) fizzing and an explosion
d.) none of the above
13. The Correct Answer Is
C
Great Job!Hope you had some fun along the way and learned something new!!!