What happens to bubbles in fizzy drinks in zero gravity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion explores the behavior of bubbles in fizzy drinks, such as Coke, under zero gravity conditions, specifically aboard a space station. Participants concluded that the absence of gravity would cause bubbles to disperse in all directions rather than rise to the surface, as seen on Earth. Surface tension plays a crucial role in bubble formation and may lead to the creation of small globules that fizz and collide with one another. The conversation references experiments by Don Pettit, highlighting the complexity and unpredictability of bubble dynamics in microgravity environments.

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  • Knowledge of surface tension and its effects on bubble formation
  • Familiarity with the properties of carbonated beverages
  • Basic principles of atmospheric pressure in closed systems
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  • Explore experiments conducted by Don Pettit regarding bubbles in space
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normality
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We got to wondering the other night over some beers... What happens to the bubbles in a fizzy drink eg Coke inside the zero G conditions of a space station, pressurised to standard atmospheric pressure. We figured that on Earth the density differential in the liquid caused by gravity gave direction to the bubbles (upwards) and this would be absent in zero G, so maybe the bubbles go everywhere. Would surface tension affect globule formation whilst the bubbles carry on popping? On Earth do the bubbles need imperfections in the side of the container to initiate their formation (again absent in Zero G if the liquid is suspended in space)?
Our best guess seems to be that on opening the can most of the contents sprays out broadly in one direction over the place and tries to form globules during its flight path to the other side of the cabin. Small globules, formed by surface tension trying to form a sphere, would be fizzing in some way with the bubbles appearing to randomly appear within the liquid and traveling randomly towards the surface of he globule, possibly colliding with other bubbles, and on reaching the surface to then pop and spit smaller fizz globules off in a sort of spherical rain all over the place... did we get this right?
 
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Don Pettit did this, for your viewing pleasure:

 
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Well well well. Thanks so much for that. This problem has baffled me for years and I note even Don Petit was not sure what to expect!

Although the Alka Seltza provides a launch platform for the bubbles I don't suppose the outcome would be so very different from a fizzy drink where presumably the entire liquid globule volume is capable of bubble formation. Fascinating.

Thanks again, I'm definitely one giant leap closer to understanding this one.
 

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