Menthol Cooling Effect

Question
Does menthol have an effect on temperature?
Variables
Independent - Mentos (containing menthol)
Dependent - Temperature
Constant - Room temperature
Hypothesis
We hypothesized that menthol has no effect on temperature. We
predicted that when we put Mentos pill in the water, the
temperature will remain the same.
Background research
Many products nowadays contain menthol. Such as gum,
candy, sweetener and gargle. Because people enjoy the light
taste, fresh taste of mint.
Menthol is a compound classically obtained from various mint
plants, though now is often synthetically produced due to the
extreme high demand for menthol in a variety of products.
Menthol is a waxy, crystalline substance that is somewhat clear or
white. Interestingly, it is actually solid at room temperature and
melts just a few degrees above room temperature.
Mint is a natural decongestant that helps to break up phlegm
and mucus. Mint can be also effective, especially when combined
with tea for relieving sore throats. Mint is a calming and soothing
herb that has been used for thousands of years to aid with upset
stomach or indigestion. Mint is thought to improve the flow of bile
through the stomach, which helps to speed and ease digestion.
Mint also has the effect of calming and cooling skin affected by
insects bites, rash or other reactions

Materials

Water (room temperature)

Mentos (10 Pills)
Thermometer
Blender
Timer

Procedure
1. Put 10 Mentos in the blender
2. Blend the Mentos until it completely breakdown into white
powder
3. Prepare the glass and pour the water (in room temperature) in
it, around of the glass
4. Measure the temperature of the water
5. Put the blended Mentos in the glass that contains water
6. Slowly stir the mixture of water and Mentos
7. Leave the thermometer in the glass and wait for five minutes
and record the temperature
8. Record the temperature in every 5 minutes
9. Record the temperature for 20 minutes

Data and Analysis

1st trial Mentos and water
Time

5 Minute

Temperat
20
ure
1st trial Water
Time

5 Minute

10
Minute

15
Minutes

20
Minutes

19

18

18

10
Minute

15
Minutes

20
Minutes

17.5

17

10
Minute

15
Minutes

20
Minutes

19

18

18

Temperat
19.5
18.5
ure
2nd trial Mentos and water
Time

5 Minute

Temperat
19
ure
2nd trial water
Time

5 Minute

10
Minute

15
Minutes

20
Minutes

Temperat
ure

18

18

17.5

17

According to the data table, the temperature of normal water

decrease even more than the mixture of Mentos and water. The
main factor that caused the temperature both water and the
Mentos solution to decrease was the temperature of the room.
Temperature of Mentos and water decrease was because of the
room temperature is lower than the temperature of themselves.
We have controlled the room temperature to 16 C to test whether
the Mentos really decrease the temperature.

Conclusions
The menthol in Mentos does not have any effect on the
temperature either increase or decrease. The reason that we feel
cold when we eat it is because menthol has some effect on our
sensation.
Menthol has a property to stimulate the cold sensitive receptors in
skin and mucus membranes producing the feeling of coolness.
This is just like the opposite that happen with pepper which
stimulate heat receptor producing feeling warmth which does not
increase the temperature.
We conclude that the menthol in Mentos dont decrease the
temperature.
The temperature decrease because the room temperature was 16
C, which is lower that both water and Mentos solution. If menthol
have the effect on the temperature the solutions temperature
must be lower than the normal water.
Real life application
Menthol has many benefits. Can be applied to remove itching
from animals or plants.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my teacher T.Ida who helped us with our
project and T.Bim for letting us borrow some materials.
Works Cited
http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/does-mint-coolthingsdown/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/187048-what-is-the-use-ofmenthol/