Does rock salt and soda have the same reaction of Mentos?

When rock salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) is added to soda, it does not produce the same dramatic foaming reaction as Mentos. While both substances are used in conjunction to create the Mentos geyser, their roles and reactions are different.

1. Mentos:

Mentos are specially designed candies with tiny nucleation sites on their surface. These sites create bubbles in carbonated beverages when the candy is dropped in, leading to the rapid release of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas and producing a foaming eruption.

2. Rock Salt:

Rock salt, also known as table salt, mainly consists of sodium and chloride ions. When added to soda, rock salt does not introduce significant nucleation sites or affect the carbonation level of the beverage. As a result, it does not produce the characteristic geyser-like eruption associated with Mentos.

Rock salt can contribute to the overall flavor and taste of the soda by adding a salty taste, but it does not induce the same physical reaction or foaming effect as Mentos.