Does Mentos mint gum make coke explode?

Mentos mints do indeed cause soda to erupt. The phenomenon has been known for decades and is the subject of many YouTube videos. The reaction occurs when the mints are dropped into the soda and the rough surface of the mints provide nucleation sites for the dissolved carbon dioxide in the soda to form bubbles. The bubbles then rise rapidly to the surface, causing the soda to erupt.

The explosion is caused by a combination of factors. The mints contain a compound called gelatin, which is a protein that can form a gel when it comes into contact with water. The gel forms a network of tiny bubbles that trap the carbon dioxide gas. The rough surface of the mints also provides a nucleation site for the carbon dioxide gas to form bubbles. The combination of the gel and the nucleation sites creates a perfect storm for an eruption.

The reaction is also influenced by the temperature of the soda. Cold soda erupts more violently than warm soda because the carbon dioxide gas is more soluble in cold water. The colder the soda, the more carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the water and the more bubbles are formed when the mints are added.

The eruption of soda with Mentos mints is a fun and harmless demonstration of chemistry in action. It is a great way to teach children about the properties of carbon dioxide and the role of nucleation in the formation of bubbles.