Carbonated Water

fizzy · water · science · bubbles

What makes it fizzy. Carbonated water has carbon dioxide gas dissolved in it under pressure, which creates all those tiny bubbles you see and feel. When you open a bottle, the pressure drops and the bubbles escape, which is why the fizz goes away over time.

Natural and artificial. Some carbonated water comes from natural springs and underground sources where carbon dioxide naturally gets mixed with water deep in the Earth. Other carbonated water is made in factories by forcing carbon dioxide gas into regular water under high pressure.

Different types exist. Club soda, sparkling water, and mineral water are all types of carbonated water, but they have different minerals and ingredients added to them. Some have salt, some have minerals from natural springs, and some are completely pure water with just bubbles.

Why it feels tingly. Those bubbles don't just taste good, they actually create a tingling sensation on your tongue because the carbon dioxide reacts with taste buds in your mouth. This makes carbonated water feel special compared to flat water.

Bubbles escape slowly. Carbonated water gradually loses its fizz over time because the carbon dioxide gas wants to escape into the air, especially when the bottle is open or not sealed tightly.