If you are a candy and soda lover, you might have heard of a popular experiment where certain candies react with Diet Coke. This experiment has become so popular that it even became a crossword puzzle clue. In this article, we will explore the science behind this candy and Diet Coke reaction and the candies that are known to cause it.
The Science Behind the Reaction
The reaction between candy and Diet Coke is a result of the carbon dioxide gas that is released when Mentos candies are dissolved in Diet Coke. The carbon dioxide gas gets trapped in the tiny pits on the surface of the Mentos candy, creating a lot of bubbles. When this reaction happens in a closed container, such as a bottle of Diet Coke, the gas has nowhere to go but out, causing a massive eruption of soda.
The science behind this reaction is quite simple. When Mentos are dropped into Diet Coke, the candy's rough surface creates thousands of tiny bubbles on its surface. These bubbles act as nucleation sites, which are a place where gas can be released. The Diet Coke also contains carbon dioxide gas, which is used to carbonate the soda. When the carbon dioxide gas in Diet Coke comes into contact with the Mentos candy, it rapidly forms bubbles, creating a fizzy explosion.
The Candies That Cause the Reaction
While Mentos is the most popular candy used in this experiment, it is not the only one that can cause a reaction with Diet Coke. Some other candies that can cause a similar reaction include Pop Rocks, Skittles, and Smarties. These candies also have a rough surface that can act as a nucleation site for the carbon dioxide gas in Diet Coke.
Pop Rocks are small, hard candies that contain pressurized carbon dioxide gas. When they come into contact with moisture, such as saliva in your mouth, they begin to pop and fizz. When Pop Rocks are dropped into Diet Coke, the pressurized carbon dioxide gas reacts with the carbon dioxide gas in the soda, creating a lot of fizz and bubbles.
Skittles are small, colorful candies that are coated in sugar. When Skittles are dropped into Diet Coke, the sugar coating dissolves and releases the carbon dioxide gas in the soda, creating a reaction similar to that of Mentos and Diet Coke.
Smarties are small, chalky candies that are popular in the United States. When Smarties are dropped into Diet Coke, the citric acid in the candy reacts with the carbon dioxide gas in the soda, causing it to fizz and bubble.
The History of the Experiment
The candy and Diet Coke experiment has been around for several years and has become a popular science experiment for children and adults alike. The first recorded experiment of this kind was conducted by Steve Spangler, a science teacher from Colorado, in 2005. Steve Spangler's experiment was so popular that it went viral and has since been viewed over 150 million times on YouTube.
Since then, the candy and Diet Coke experiment has been replicated by many people around the world, and it has even been used in television shows and movies, such as MythBusters and The Big Bang Theory.
The Dangers of the Experiment
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