Soda and Fizz

[rdalba1021]

My son is doing a science project. His topic is How does the length of time that a soda bottle is open affect its fizziness? I can’t find information on this topic. Can you advise

[rmarz]

rdalba1021 -The "fizz" in a soda is really the action or sensation you observe as dissolved carbon dioxide is released by the soda. The main variables that affect how fast the soda gives up the carbon dioxide are temperature, pressure and mechanical agitation. An uncapped soda will hold the CO2 dissolved in solution and reaches a pressure equilibrium in the unopened container. When exposed to lower ambient pressure (opening the container) CO2 will start to release to the air. Similarly, the amount of CO2 that can be dissolved in a liquid is temperature dependent. Cold liquids will allow more CO2 to be dissolved. Warming the liquid will cause the gas to be released to the air. Mechanical agitation also hastens the gasses escape to the ambient air. In that you have opened the container, the main issues around how fast or slow the CO2 comes out of the dissolved state are temperature and agitation. Keep it very still and very cold and you will slow down the inevitable loss of "fizz".

Rick Marz