Q&A for How to Make a Diet Coke and Mentos Rocket

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Question

What type of vessel works best for creating a Diet Coke and Mentos rocket?

Jessie Antonellis-John
Math and Science Instructor
Jessie Antonellis-John is a Math and Science Instructor who teaches at Southwestern Oregon Community College. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in curriculum development. Jessie earned her PhD in Teaching & Teacher Education from the University of Arizona, her Master of Education from Western Governors University, and her BS in Astrophysics from Mount Holyoke College. She’s also co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles in professional publications.

Jessie Antonellis-John

Math and Science Instructor

Expert Answer

When making a Diet Coke and Mentos rocket, it's helpful to use a container that can open up on its own as pressure builds. An old but effective vessel I've used in the past is a film canister holder. These small canisters allow pressure to accumulate because of their smaller opening. If you're doing this with kids or for a class demo, it can be a safer, more controlled choice to show the reaction.

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Question

Is this a good project for school?

Community Answer

Yes. Just make sure that it is okay with your teacher first.

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Question

Which type of Coke gives the best explosion?

Community Answer

Diet Coke generally works the best, but the same basic reaction can occur with many different kinds of soda.

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Question

Would poking a hole in the cap help give a better explosion?

Community Answer

No, it would actually keep it from exploding correctly.

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Question

Are the safety goggles necessary?

Community Answer

Absolutely. You never know what could go wrong, and you don't want to get any of this stuff in your eyes. It would sting a lot and could even cause vision damage.

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Question

Can I put it on boots?

Community Answer

Yes, because it is not going to harm anything with your boots. Mentos and soda do not ruin shoes, clothes or anything, so you can put it on what ever you want.

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Question

Can I add a parachute?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

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Question

Can the rocket make me fly if I put it under my shoe?

Community Answer

No, you couldn't fly using this rocket.

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Question

Can I attach a paper airplane to the cap?

Community Answer

Yes, but it won't make it fly better.

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Question

If I attach fins or wings to the Diet Coke and Mentos bottle, would it have enough power to fly vertically or fly any distance?

Community Answer

No, because it would affect the flight pattern and then it wouldn't fly right.

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Question

If I launch a diet coke and Mentos rocket sideways, will it go forward instead of up?

Community Answer

Yes, and can be very dangerous in doing so. It takes an unpredictable path and could easily damage property and/or injure people or pets, so shouldn't be attempted.

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Question

Is the Coke drinkable after it has been used to make a Mentos rocket?

Community Answer

Yes, the Coke is drinkable, but it won't taste very good. It will taste like mint.

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Question

What would happen if I put the cap on the Diet Coke and Mentos rocket?

Community Answer

If you already made the Mentos "cartridge" and made sure that the soda is low enough, then nothing.

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Question

How should I decorate my Diet Coke and Mentos rocket?

Community Answer

You can put things like paper around it, but nothing sticking out because it won’t fly straight.

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Question

Would a container full of A&W root beer explode after Mentos are added to it?

Community Answer

Any kind of carbonated drink works, but Diet Coke is the one that has the most powerful reaction.

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Question

How tight should I get the lid of the bottle when making a Mentos rocket?

Community Answer

It depends. If you make it too tight, the rocket won't lift up. If it's too loose, the gas will escape and the rocket won't fly. Preferably 3 screws is a good enough tightness.

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Question

Will this work with fruit Mentos?

Community Answer

Yes, any Mentos work (but not Mentos gum). You can also use baking soda.

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