/oss/taxonomy/term/1389/all en /oss/article/general-science/shaking-champagne-bottle <p>People readily understand that solids can dissolve in a liquid. Salt or sugar dissolve in water and the warmer the water, the faster the rate of dissolution. We learn this in elementary school. But for some reason, the idea that gases can dissolve in water causes more confusion. Indeed, they do dissolve. If oxygen from the air did not dissolve in water, for example, fish could not survive. And if carbon dioxide did not dissolve in water, we wouldn’t have carbonated beverages. Temperature, on the other hand, has a different effect as to how gases and solids dissolve in water.</p> Tue, 17 Dec 2019 15:00:00 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 8044 at /oss /oss/article/controversial-science-quirky-science/letting-fizz-out-fizz-keeper <p>A little pump called the “Fizz Keeper” is available in kitchen supply stores to pressurize previously opened soft drink bottles and prevent loss of carbonation. The idea appears to make sense, but actually, the device does not work. Pumping the bottle can restore the pressure above the solution so the bottle feels hard, just like when it was purchased. But the manufacturers are unaware of Henry’s Law.</p> Sat, 04 Jan 2014 20:28:55 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2060 at /oss