Why do you get a bigger eruption with diet coke and mentos?

The reaction between Diet Coke and Mentos is a classic example of a nucleation reaction. In this type of reaction, a small amount of a substance (the nucleating agent) causes the rapid formation of bubbles in a liquid. In the case of Diet Coke and Mentos, the nucleating agent is the gelatin in the Mentos candy.

The gelatin molecules provide a surface for the dissolved carbon dioxide gas in the Diet Coke to come out of solution and form bubbles. The bubbles then quickly grow and rise to the surface, creating the characteristic eruption of Diet Coke and Mentos.

There are a few factors that affect the size of the eruption, including:

* The amount of gelatin in the Mentos candy. The more gelatin, the more nucleation sites there are for the carbon dioxide gas to form bubbles.

* The temperature of the Diet Coke. The warmer the Diet Coke, the more dissolved carbon dioxide gas it will contain, and the larger the eruption will be.

* The amount of Diet Coke. The more Diet Coke, the more dissolved carbon dioxide gas there will be, and the larger the eruption will be.

By varying these factors, you can create eruptions of different sizes. For example, using a larger amount of Mentos candy or warmer Diet Coke will result in a larger eruption.

The eruption of Diet Coke and Mentos is a fun and easy way to demonstrate the principles of nucleation and gas solubility. It is also a great way to impress your friends and family!