Week 4 Homework: Catalyst of the Week

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cts3MrHnYIU

"Mentos Coke"

Putting Mentos into Coke will stimulate "blasting power" of carbon dioxide of carbonated water.

The mechanism is following:

1)   the gelatin and gum arabic from Mentos break the surface tension

2)  Each Mentos has thousands of tiny pits all over the surface.  These are perfect for carbon dioxide bubbles to form

3)  As soon as the Mentos hit the soda, bubbles form all over the surface of the candy. 

4) Since surface tension is weaken by step 1), carbon dioxide bubbles created on the surface of Mentos is now easy to blast out

5) Since cap of Coke bottle is small, it enhance the blasting power of CO2 gas.

6) Blasting like Youtube movie on the top of this article occurs.