This article delves into the fascinating world of the Diet Coke puzzle, exploring both the explosive reaction of Diet Coke and Mentos and the seemingly impossible "arrow through coke bottle" puzzle.
The Diet Coke and Mentos Eruption: A Physical Reaction
Many have observed the impressive eruption that occurs when Mentos are dropped into Diet Coke. Videos abound showcasing this phenomenon, some even using it to propel homemade rockets. But what causes this reaction?
The key lies in the physical properties of Mentos and the dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) within the Diet Coke. The Mentos and Diet Coke combination works mainly because the Mentos provides nucleation sites for the CO2 gas already dissolved in the coke. When the outer coverings of the Mentos dissolve, they become very rough. The CO2 will selectively come out of solution at the imperfections on the Mentos.
Nucleation Sites and CO2 Release
The surface of a Mentos candy is not smooth but rather covered in microscopic imperfections. These imperfections act as nucleation sites. Dissolved CO2 molecules in the Diet Coke are attracted to these sites. Because there are so many sites, bubbles form very rapidly. This rapid formation of carbon dioxide bubbles creates the pressure that forces the Diet Coke out of the bottle, resulting in the characteristic eruption.
Physical vs. Chemical Reaction
It's important to note that this is primarily a physical reaction, not a chemical one. No new chemical substances are formed. The CO2 was already dissolved in the Diet Coke; the Mentos simply provide a catalyst for its rapid release.
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The "Arrow Through Coke Bottle" Puzzle: An Impossible Object
The "Arrow Through Coke Bottle" puzzle presents a different kind of challenge. This classic puzzle features a solid wooden arrow seemingly impossibly placed through a solid glass Coke bottle. The puzzle, designed and made a reality by Gary Foshee in 1979, has captivated puzzle enthusiasts for generations. The mechanics behind the puzzle were known long before and published in a book by Albert Hopkins in 1897 titled, "Magic".
Creating the Illusion: A Step-by-Step Guide
While the puzzle appears impossible, it relies on clever manipulation of materials and a bit of ingenuity. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Tools and Materials
- Drill or Drill Press
- Bandsaw or Scrollsaw
- Sander
- Boiling Water
- Pipe Clamps
- Diamond Drill Bits
- Diamond Flat Files
- Acetone
- Coke Bottle
- Pine Board
Step 2: Wood Selection
The selection of wood is extremely important for the arrow. An old, dry pine board with grain running perpendicular to the face of the arrow is ideal. This ensures even compression when clamped.
Step 3: Cut Arrow
Using a template, cut out the arrow from a 1/2 inch piece of pine, avoiding knots.
Step 4: Sand Arrow
Remove excess wood and round the corners using a sander.
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Step 5: Boil Wood
Boil the tip of the arrow for 45 minutes to make the wood pliable.
Step 6: Clamp
Compress the wood using a strong clamp until it is smaller than the middle shaft of the arrow. Let it dry for 72 hours (minimum 48 hours depending on your local humidity). If you notice that the arrow is starting to expand again when opening the vise, clamp it down again and wait another 24 hours.
Step 7: Remove Unwanted Printing
Clean the Coke bottle by removing unwanted printing (expiration dates, nutrition facts) with acetone.
Step 8: Prepare to Drill
Create a holder for the bottle.
Step 9: Drill the Bottle
Mark the location of your holes. Try to stay away from the logo as it can chip. Keeping the glass below water, drill with a 9/16 inch or 14 millimeter diamond drill bit. Use light pressure with your drill running about 1000 RPM to cut the hole. When one hole is complete, rotate the bottle and drill the second hole.
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Step 10: Finish the Hole
Submerge the bottle underwater and finish the hole using flat diamond files. Use the completely dry arrow to verify the size (try to keep the arrow as dry as possible). Start with the coarse file from the set and once it is the right size that the arrow can pass through it, polish it up with finer files.
Step 11: Insert Arrow
Once the holes are the correct size, insert the arrow through each hole.
Step 12: Boil the Arrow
Boil the tip of the arrow. This will rehydrate the arrow and allow it to expand to it's original size. This step can take up to 10 minutes. Once the arrow is back to it's original size, remove it from the water and allow it to dry for 24 hours.
Step 13: Hand Sanding
After drying, the arrow will not be smooth as it once was. Use increasingly finer sandpaper until the wooden arrow is smooth.
Variations on the Theme
The basic "Arrow Through Coke Bottle" puzzle has inspired several variations:
- Arrow Through a Bottle Through an Arrow in a Bottle: This variation involves inserting one arrow into the neck of the bottle and then inserting a second arrow through the bottle and the first arrow.
- Two Arrows Through a Bottle: This variation involves inserting two arrows through askew holes drilled in the bottle.