Popping candy why does it pop

Some researchers even suggest that the tingling, burning sensations associated with the perception of carbonation can be caused by CO 2 triggering pain receptors [4]. Would this mean our society's desire for carbonated food and drink has strangely evolved against a natural aversion to experiencing pain?

Personally, I can't hear over the loud buzzing noises of Pop Rocks in my mouth to find out Note: Modified on September 19, The diagram illustrating taste detection of carbonation has been added in the current post. References cited. Accessed 23 August Leon K, Mitchell W Gasified confection and method of making the same. US Patent No. US A. Accessed 20 August Science Accessed 25 August University of Southern California. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph. Chemistry Expert. Helmenstine holds a Ph.

She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter. Updated November 20, Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph. How Pop Rocks Candy Works. The Science Behind Firecrackers and Sparklers. Interestingly, the near-instant popping reaction when the candy hits your tongue isn't caused by a special ingredient in Pop Rocks, but rather the process by which it's made.

As the video explains, the ingredients are mixed, heated, and boiled down a syrupy liquid, but instead of being poured into molds to harden like other candies, the Pop Rocks mixture is exposed to pressurized carbon dioxide.

Tiny CO2 bubbles become trapped in the mixture, which makes the candy shatter when it hardens and the pressure is released. The release of trapped carbon dioxide trapped in the Pop Rocks is ultimately what causes them to pop and fizz when they're exposed to the heat and moisture in your mouth.

When you put the candy in your mouth, it melts just like hard candy and releases the bubbles with a loud POP! What you are hearing and feeling is the psi carbon dioxide gas being released from each bubble. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar.