Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to create a Mentos volcano eruption and understand the science behind it.
Materials and Prep
- Mentos candies (at least 6)
- A 2-liter bottle of diet soda (preferably cola)
- An outdoor space or a large container to contain the eruption
- Protective eyewear and clothing (optional but recommended)
Before starting the lesson, make sure to read and understand the safety precautions for handling the materials.
Activities
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Set up the outdoor space or the large container in a safe location.
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Put on your protective eyewear and clothing (if using).
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Open the bottle of diet soda carefully, making sure not to shake it.
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Drop the Mentos candies into the bottle of soda all at once.
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Step back and observe the eruption as the soda shoots up into the air.
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Repeat the experiment with different variables, such as using different types of soda or changing the number of Mentos candies.
Talking Points
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The eruption occurs due to a process called nucleation. When the Mentos candies are dropped into the soda, the rough surface of the candies provides numerous sites for carbon dioxide bubbles to form.
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The carbon dioxide bubbles attach themselves to the Mentos candies and rapidly rise to the surface of the liquid. This creates a buildup of pressure inside the bottle, leading to the eruption.
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The diet soda works best for this experiment because it contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which provide more nucleation sites compared to regular sugar.
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By changing variables such as the type of soda or the number of Mentos candies, you can observe how different factors affect the size and intensity of the eruption.
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Remember to always conduct this experiment in a safe and controlled environment, and follow any additional safety guidelines provided by your parents or guardians.