What Causes Soda To Get Flat?

The fizziness of soda is due to the presence of carbon dioxide gas (CO2). This gas is dissolved in soda, and when it comes into contact with the air, it is released, creating the bubbles that make soda so refreshing. However, these bubbles will eventually dissipate, and soda will become flat.

Several factors can cause soda to go flat, including:

High Temperature: Heat causes the molecules of CO2 to move faster and more erratically, which helps them escape from the soda. This is why soda gets flat faster when it is warm.

Low Pressure: Carbon dioxide is more soluble in liquids under high pressure. This is why soda stays fizzy longer when it is sealed.

Exposure to Air: When soda is exposed to air, the CO2 gas can escape. This is why soda cans and bottles have seals to prevent the air from getting in.

Shaking: Shaking soda can also cause it to go flat by agitating the bubbles and releasing the CO2 gas.

Ingredients: Some ingredients, such as alcohol, can also interfere with the solubility of CO2 in soda. This is why alcoholic drinks tend to go flat faster than non-alcoholic drinks.

The rate at which soda goes flat depends on all these factors. In general, soda that is stored in a cool place, sealed tightly, and not shaken will stay fizzy longer.