How high will Coca-Cola explode with Mentos?

The height to which a Coca-Cola geyser will erupt when Mentos are added depends on various factors, including the environmental conditions and the quantities of Coca-Cola and Mentos used. However, here's a general explanation:

When Mentos are dropped into a bottle of Coca-Cola, it leads to a phenomenon called nucleation, which is the process of rapid bubble formation. This explosive reaction triggers the rapid release of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas trapped in the soda. The nucleation sites provided by the rough surface of Mentos act as catalysts for the nucleation process.

As the CO2 bubbles quickly expand and accumulate at the top of the bottle, they create pressure within the container. This increase in pressure builds up until the point where it overcomes the surface tension of the liquid and causes the geyser-like eruption of Coca-Cola.

The specific height the geyser reaches depends on several factors, including:

- Amount of Coca-Cola: The greater the volume of Coca-Cola in the bottle, the higher the geyser can potentially rise.

- Mentos quantity: More Mentos dropped into the bottle lead to more nucleation sites and a higher intensity of CO2 release, which can increase the height of the eruption.

- Environmental conditions: The temperature of the Coca-Cola and the surrounding environment can influence the rate of CO2 release and the height of the geyser. A warmer temperature can lead to a more vigorous reaction.

- Bottle shape: The shape of the bottle can also affect the height of the eruption. A narrower bottle can result in a higher geyser compared to a wider bottle.

In general, the combination of these factors can produce geysers that range from a few feet to over 20 feet in height, although the exact height can vary widely.