Here's how to make a loud "pop" noise using a can of soda (pop for those in the Mid-West) and an ordinary ink pen.
Step 1
Start with an ordinary, full, soda can and an ordinary ball point pen.
Step 2
Place the tip of the pen on the dent just outside the seam.
Step 3
Gently tap the back of the pen with your hand causing the can to pop open violently, making a loud noise. You may have to experiment to find just how hard to tap the pen. The best way is to start light and repeat, increasing how hard you hit it each time. Video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5XRwZ-j3hQ
Step 4
Use the tab to push the "lid" back into the can.
Step 5
Enjoy the tasty beverage.
Tips
Use a wide mouthed can like the one shown. Several attempts were made with narrow mouthed cans from a Japanese Coke machine, with little success. - Don't hit the pen too hard, especially on the first few times. Hitting it too hard will reduce the intensity of the pop, by punching a hole that allows the pressurized gas to escape prematurely.
- A warmer can of soda will make a louder pop due to increased pressure. Fear not, refrigerated cans still work fine; this demo was done with a room temperature can.
Warnings
- Don't place your hand too close to the can; the edge will be sharp, you don't want to cut yourself.
- Be careful where you do this. Doing this in airports, airplanes, libraries, police stations, in a car on the highway, etc. might cause you more trouble than you really want.
Things You'll Need
