How to Make a Mentos Explosion

It sounds strange, but the simple combination of Mentos mint candies and carbonated soda pop creates a fountain-like effect. The soda shoots up from the bottle like a geyser and stays that way for up to 30 seconds. While any soda works in this experiment, diet soda is recommended because it is less sticky and is easier to clean up. Most experimenters swear by Diet Coke because of the unique shape of the bottle and big reaction with the soda itself.

Things You'll Need

• 2-liter bottle of carbonated soda
• 1 roll of Mentos candy

Instructions

1. Set a 2-liter bottle of soda in an open area outside, such as a yard or field. Remove the cap. Tell all spectators to stand back.

2. Place a packaged roll of mint-flavored Mentos in between your hands and roll it back and forth to loosen the candies inside. When all the candies are loose, open one end and turn that end upside down, using your finger to hold all the candies inside.

3. Hold the end of the Mentos roll over the open soda bottle. Move your finger, allowing all the candies to drop into the bottle at once. Step back immediately to avoid being sprayed by the geyser-like eruption.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use cold soda for this experiment; warm soda produces a much better reaction.

References

• Tabblo: Mentos + Diet Coke: An Illustrated Guide
• Steve Spangler's Science: Mentos Diet Coke Geyser