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Michael W. Crowder, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University

The bubbly chemistry behind carbonated beverages

Manufacturers inject carbon dioxide into beverages to make them fizzy. Jenny Dettrick/Moment via Getty Images

Many people love the refreshing effervescence of a soda, champagne, beer or sparkling water. When you take a sip, the gas bubbles in the beverage burst, and the released gas tickles your nose. But have you ever wondered how carbonation actually works?

I’m a professor who teaches classes in chemistry and fermentation and a carbonated beverage enthusiast and home brewer myself. While the basic process of carbonation is relatively simple, a variety of factors – from temperature to surface tension – can affect the taste and quality of beverages.

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