Chemistry and Physics
Carbon dioxide dissolved in water at a low concentration (0.2%–1.0%) creates carbonic acid (H2CO3), which causes the water to have a slightly sour taste with a pH between 3 and 4. An alkaline salt, such as sodium bicarbonate, may be added to soda water to reduce its acidity.
The amount of a gas like carbon dioxide that can be dissolved in water is described by Henry's Law. Water is chilled, optimally to just above freezing, in order to permit the maximum amount of carbon dioxide to dissolve in it. Higher gas pressure and lower temperature cause more gas to dissolve in the liquid. When the temperature is raised or the pressure is reduced (as happens when a container of carbonated water is opened,) carbon dioxide comes out of solution, in the form of bubbles.
Read more about this topic: Carbonated Water
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