Experiment CO2 en pijn prikkels

Doel:
to show that carbonated drinks activate pain receptors

Benodigdheden:
An unopened bottle of a carbonated cola drink

Methode:
Open the bottle and take a mouthful of the drink without swallowing. Hold the liquid behind your lips and on the tip of your tongue for 30 seconds.

Resultaat:
The sensation becomes quite painful. The sensation is not caused by the bubbles but by activation of the pain sensors. After swallowing the cola, the tongue will feel as if it has been scorched by a hot drink.

Conclusie:
It isn't the bubbles that give the tingle to carbonated drinks but rather the fact that carbon dioxide triggers off the pain receptors in the mouth.