What happens if you drink Diet Coke and Mentos?

Mixing Diet Coke and Mentos results in a rapid and powerful expulsion of foam. This phenomenon occurs due to the interaction between the gelatin in the Mentos candy and the carbon dioxide gas in the Diet Coke. The gelatin acts as nucleation sites for the gas bubbles, causing them to form rapidly on the surface of the candy and generating tremendous pressure. This sudden release of gas propels the liquid in the form of foam, creating an explosive eruption from the container.

The specific chemical reactions that contribute to this reaction are:

1. The Mentos candy contains gum arabic, which acts as a surfactant, reducing the surface tension of the Diet Coke.

2. The gelatin acts as a nucleation site for the carbon dioxide gas, providing a surface for the bubbles to form.

3. The dissolved sugars in the Diet Coke provide energy for the reaction.

4. The carbon dioxide gas rapidly escapes from the solution in the form of bubbles, carrying liquid soda along with it.

As a result, a large amount of foam is produced in a very short period of time, leading to the eruption of the liquid from the container.