Effervescence (chemistry) 856618 206336355 2008-04-17T21:18:34Z WinTakeAll 3542054 Link fix {{Wiktionarypar|effervescence}} '''Effervescence''' is the escape of gas from an aqueous solution. The term is used to describe the foaming or fizzing that results from a release of gas. An everyday example is seen in carbonated beverages such as [[Soft drink|soft drinks]]. The visible bubbles are produced by effervescence from the dissolved gas (which itself is not visible in the liquid solution). In the lab, a common example of effervescence is seen if [[hydrochloric acid]] is added to a block of [[limestone]]. If a few pieces of [[marble]] or an [[antacid]] tablet are put in hydrochloric acid in a [[test tube]] fitted with a [[cork (material)|cork]], effervescence of [[carbon dioxide]] can be witnessed. This process is generally represented by the following [[reaction]], where a pressurized dilute solution of [[carbonic acid]] in water releases gaseous carbon dioxide at [[decompression]]: <math> \mbox{H}_2\mbox{CO}_3 \longrightarrow \mbox{H}_2\mbox{O} + \mbox{CO}_2</math> In simple terms, it is the result of the chemical reaction occurring in the liquid which produces a gaseous product. ==See also== *[[Carbonation]] [[Category:Chemical processes]]