{"id":54801,"date":"2025-10-22T12:14:04","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T03:14:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=54801"},"modified":"2025-10-22T12:14:04","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T03:14:04","slug":"shake-hold-and-erupt-create-a-mini-volcano-with-cola-power","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=54801&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Shake, Hold, and Erupt! Create a Mini Volcano with Cola Power!"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’m Ken Kuwako, your Science Trainer. Every day is an experiment!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

You can use Coca-Cola to safely (well, mostly!) recreate a model of Earth’s dynamic activity: a volcanic eruption. In this exciting science experiment, we’ll dive into the secret behind the explosive power hidden inside a common carbonated drink. This specific experiment was developed and refined with my trainees, T and S, where we researched the optimal liquid volume and hole size. Please use our findings as a reference for your own attempt!<\/p>\n

What You’ll Need<\/h3>\n

\u30fb700mL of Cola (While 350mL or 500mL bottles work, the size of the bottle will change the power of your eruption!)<\/p>\n

\u30fbA soldering iron (or an awl, thumbtack, or anything else you can use to make a small hole in the cap)<\/p>\n

\u30fb(IMPORTANT!)<\/b> Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and make sure you have a wide open space for the experiment (a bathtub or, ideally, an outdoor area is best). If you’re doing this at school, be sure to run a preliminary test first. We failed once, too!<\/p>\n

Experiment Steps<\/h3>\n

\u2460 Use the soldering iron or awl to make a tiny hole in the cola bottle cap. (\u203bAlways have an adult present when using fire or sharp objects.)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The size of the hole will change the strength of the eruption.<\/p>\n

\u2461 Drink (or pour out) the cola until the liquid level is just above the label. The goal is to create an air pocket (space) inside the bottle.<\/p>\n

\u2462 Tightly close the cap with the hole. While firmly pressing your thumb over the hole (or using masking tape to cover it), shake the cola violently! Give it a good, vigorous shake for about five seconds.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u2463 Place the bottle on the floor or ground. When you’re ready, let go of your thumb all at once! (or rapidly remove the masking tape!)<\/p>\n

\u2464 The eruption begins!<\/p>\n