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Marty Jopson examines the popular myths and theories surrounding fizzy drinks as part of his Test Centre series of films.

First off - Why do some fizzy drinks explode when you add mints to them?

Marty explains that it's a combination of a chemical reaction and the rough surface of the mints that creates tiny bubbles which are forced upwards out of the bottle.

Second: Does leaving a silver spoon in sparkling wine prevent it from losing its fizz?

Through comparisons with and without a spoon Marty disproves that it makes a difference. In fact, says Marty, it's the naturally occurring gases given off by the wine that make it last longer than you would expect.

And finally: Does tapping a drinks can prevent it from spraying?

Marty builds a can shaking device to answer the question. He finds that it makes very little difference at all - completely disproving the myth.

Still to come in the series: Thunder and lightning, and can opera singers smash glasses with their voices?

What do you think about Marty's tests? Will you still be tapping your cans and leaving a spoon in the bottle?

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