CHED 353

MENTOS^Ž morphology: A study of surface structure using AFM

Melinda D. Korb, korbmd06@juniata.edu and Tom L. Fisher, fisher@juniata.edu. Department of Chemistry, Juniata College, 1700 Moore St., Huntingdon, PA 16652

The reaction rate between soda and various types of MENTOS^Ž was investigated. It was hypothesized that differences in rate were due to the nature and the morphology of the surface of the MENTOS^Ž. It was expected that MENTOS^Ž that reacted vigorously with the soda would have a surface with greater irregularities and thus a greater surface area. An atomic force microscope was utilized to characterize the surface of the various types of MENTOS^Ž. The findings thus far support the hypothesis. The MENTOS^Ž with larger surface area react more vigorously than those with a smaller surface area.

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Chemical Education
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008