What causes the reaction between mentos and diet coke?

Question

why it happens?

Answer 1

The reaction was the subject of an August 9, 2006 episode of MythBusters, a popular television program on the Discovery Channel.[5] They concluded that the caffeine, potassium benzoate, aspartame, and CO2 gas contained in the Diet Coke and the gelatin and gum arabic ingredients of the Mentos all contribute to the jet effect.[6] In addition, the MythBusters theorized that the physical structure of the Mentos is the most significant cause of the eruption. When flavored Mentos with a smooth waxy coating were tested in carbonated water, no reaction occurred, whereas standard Mentos added to carbonated water formed a small eruption, by their claim, affirming the nucleation-site theory. This was further supported when rock salt was used as an effective substitute for Mentos

Answer 2

well i did that in science class and my teacher explained that the mint aroma chemical reacts with the extreme acidity in coke. it really doesnt have to be diet.