Yes, I want it. That’s why I asked.

“Okay,” she says. And in she runs with my can of soda, only to stumble and drop it onto the carpet. I look at her. I look at my soda. I hold my breath…it doesn’t explode all over my beautiful beige carpet. Phew. Good. Crisis averted. But then I’ve got a new problem…how do I drink my now shaken-up soda?

Turns out, it’s not such a big deal after all. Just a couple of clicks on the ol’ Google-net and I had my answer. Apparently tapping the side of the soda can really Does make the fizzy bubbles go back down.

Basically it’s a lot of science/science stuff with the answers, but I’ll lay it out because I kinda thought it was cool. Plus, now my daughter can write a paper for school about it…which is the perfect punishment for dropping the last Dr Pepper, IMHO.

So what it comes down to is there’s just a ton of carbonation in carbonated drinks, big pile of “DUH” there, right? But when we shake them, all the pressure from the bubbles moves to the top of the can. Opening it lets the bubbles grow larger as the carbon dioxide rushes to the opening and SPLOOSH! Big ol’ stain on my beige carpet.

When you tap the side of the can it dislodges those bubbles and there isn’t such a mad dash for the top anymore.

Even though that helps, turns out the best solution is to just let it sit for a few minutes. The bubbles go back to their original place and then you’re good to go.

So while I was temporarily delayed in my soda, it wasn’t the huge crisis it could have been had that can exploded. Plus, science.

Don’t believe me that it works? Watch this video!

McDonald’s points to pre-chilled water and syrup, a syrup ratio that accounts for melting ice, filtered water and a slightly wider straw. The way it serves the drink gets a lot of attention.

McDonald’s chills the water and Coke syrup first

According to McDonald’s own explanation, both are chilled before they reach the dispenser. The fountain system stays cold, too.

The syrup ratio accounts for melting ice

The company says its serving ratio allows for ice to melt. That’s more precise than saying it has a secret extra-sugary recipe.

It also doesn’t establish that ordering without ice is a guaranteed sweeter-drink trick. McDonald’s doesn’t make that promise in its explanation.

The water gets filtered

McDonald’s says it filters the water before it enters the fountains. Its FAQ doesn’t claim that every other restaurant uses an inferior system.

Yes, McDonald’s mentions the straw

The chain says its straw is a little wider than a typical one to let more Coke flavor reach your taste buds. That’s its explanation, rather than proof that everyone will prefer the drink.

Does everyone think McDonald’s Coke tastes better?

Taste is personal. You can prefer a can, a bottle or another restaurant’s fountain Coke. McDonald’s describes steps it takes to serve its soda consistently, not a taste-test result that settles the argument.

So if you’ve always thought the drive-thru Coke hits differently, those are the details the company actually confirms.

For the other half of that order, here’s what to know about requesting fresh McDonald’s fries and why the vegan answer changes by country.