Simple Science: Make Raisins Dance in Soda

When it comes to hands-on learning (and entertainment) from placing objects in carbonated beverages, the geyser created from combining Mentos with Diet Coke is perhaps best known. However, a similar (yet far less messy) science experiment can be conducted by making raisins dance in soda.

Materials
Can of Colorless, Lemon-Lime Soda
Tall, Clear Glass
Fresh Raisins

Instructions
1. Pour the soda into a glass. (Notice the bubbles of carbon dioxide.)
2. Drop a few raisins into the glass.
3. Record your observations.

“Raisins are denser than the liquid in the soda, so initially they sink to the bottom of the glass,” the department of chemistry at the University of Wisconsin explains. “The carbonated soft drink releases carbon dioxide bubbles. When these bubbles stick to the rough surface of a raisin, the raisin is lifted because of the increase in buoyancy. When the raisin reaches the surface, the bubbles pop, and the carbon dioxide gas escapes into the air. This causes the raisin to lose buoyancy and sink. This rising and sinking of the raisins continues until most of the carbon dioxide has escaped, and the soda goes flat. Furthermore, with time the raisin gets soggy and becomes too heavy to rise to the surface.”

That’s about as non-intimidating a science experiment can get, right? To continue your experiment, simply look for other objects that can dance like raisins!

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