Why does soda fizz?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Dissolved CO2 escapes as gas
Sugar crystals create bubbles — Wrong. Sugar doesn't create carbonation. Fizz comes from carbon dioxide gas dissolved under pressure that escapes when the container opens.
Dissolved CO2 escapes as gas ✓ — Correct! Soda is carbonated by dissolving carbon dioxide gas into liquid under high pressure (4-6 atmospheres). When you open the bottle, pressure drops and CO2 becomes less soluble—escaping as bubbles! The fizz is literally CO2 gas leaving the liquid. Warm soda fizzes faster because gas is less soluble in warm liquids.
Fermentation produces alcohol — Wrong. Commercially carbonated soda doesn't ferment. CO2 is directly injected under pressure. (Some traditional drinks like kombucha do ferment and naturally carbonate.)