Fizzy drinks, also known as carbonated beverages, get their sparkle primarily through the process of dissolving carbon dioxide gas into a liquid under pressure. This gives them their characteristic effervescence.
The Carbonation Process
The fundamental method involves injecting carbon dioxide under high pressure into the liquid base of the drink. This forces the gas to dissolve into the solution.
When the drink is bottled or canned and the high pressure is maintained, the carbon dioxide stays dissolved. However, when the pressure is removed (like when you open a bottle or can), the carbon dioxide is no longer held dissolved in the solution by the high pressure.
This release of pressure causes the carbon dioxide to be released from the solution as small bubbles. It is this action that causes the solution to become effervescent, or fizzy, providing the sensation and appearance associated with carbonated beverages.
Assembling the Beverage
According to the process described, carbonated beverages are then prepared by mixing flavored syrup with carbonated water. This means the base liquid is carbonated first, and then the flavoring is added.
This can be visualized as a simple combination of key components:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Carbonated Water | Water infused with CO2 under pressure (the fizz) |
| Flavored Syrup | Provides taste, color, and sweetness |
| End Product | Fizzy Drink |
In summary, the fizziness comes from dissolved carbon dioxide, introduced under pressure and released when that pressure is relieved. The final drink is typically a blend of this carbonated water and a flavored syrup.
