Why do mintoes and coke react the way they do when mixed?

zbeckabee

Due to its high surface area, Mentos allow for a rapid release of carbon dioxide when dropped into a carbonated liquid. Also, the small dents in the surface of the candy provide a great site for nucleation, which is how the carbon dioxide molecules can escape so fast. The escaping bubbles quickly turn into a raging foam, and the pressure can build dramatically in a restricted container such as a two-liter bottle. As explained on an episode of MythBusters, diet soda is most commonly used for the experiment. Diet soda produces a larger geyser due to the increased carbonation, and the interaction of the aspartame and other ingredients in the soda and Mentos. The resulting geyser (popularly known as a mentos eruption) can shoot as high as 6 meters (20 feet). The record reached by the guys at MythBusters was over 34 feet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentos Aug 22 06, 2:00 PM

Brainyblonde

While there are various theories being debated as to the exact scientific explanation of the phenomenon, many scientists claim that it is a physical reaction and not a chemical one. The Mythbusters theorized that the physical structure of the mentos was the most significant contributor to the geyser effect. When a flavored mentos with a smooth waxy coating was tested in carbonated water no reaction occurred, whereas a standard mentos added to carbonated water formed a small geyser, thus reaffirming their theory of the mentos facilitating nucleation. http://virtualmagic.blogspot.com/2006/08/mentos-eruption.html Aug 22 06, 2:57 PM

davejacobs

The question refers to 'mintoes', which are traditional English sweets, and come separately wrapped. The answers seem to refer to 'Mentos', whicg are American (the website says worldwide) and come in tubes. Do English mintoes have the same property? http://www.sweetsforu.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=5&products_id=135 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentos Aug 23 06, 10:29 AM

helenasykes

Thanks Dave Jacobs, that is what i was wondering because my teacher had been talking about mintoes, because we then started trying to work out whether polos and extra strong mints etc would have the same effect but the only information i was able to find was about mentos! Aug 23 06, 12:10 PM