Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am doing my science project on "what is the fastest way to cool a soda?" ( refrigerator, freezer, ice-only bath, ice-water bath). I have read the science buddies experiment page on this topic, and had a few questions once I started writing my research paper. When you place the room temperature soda in the cold refrigerator, are the molecules in the soda farther apart than in the air due to the air being colder? Then why do the molecules in the soda become closer together? I am really confused, and I have been researching for quite some time but can't seem to find the answer to my questions. Also, is the freezer the same thing as the refrigerator just colder? Like the same principles? Thank you so much for your help!

You may want to study whether air (gas), liquid or solid substances cool the soda better or faster. First state a hypothesis such as "soda cools more efficiently when more molecules of a colder substance come in contact with it". Then cool the soda in air (in a refrigerator and/or freezer), liquid (cold water) and solid (ice). Measure the temp of the soda after a set time. Also, accurately measure the temp of each media. Also take into consideration the percentage of the soda touches the colder substance. Show which media cools the soda better. Then see if your experiments confirm your hypothesis.
Hope that helps. Good luck.