Physical Science Lab Experiment

Developing Delicious Soda Flavors

By Mr. Ian Tolod, Science Instructor

The objective of a recent Physical Science experiment was to investigate what soda pop is and how it is made. Soda pop is essentially carbonated water (water into which carbon dioxide is mixed with a sweetener). Carbonated water is water into which carbon dioxide has been dissolved under high pressure. Carbonation occurs in nature when water underground comes in contact with a source of carbon, such as limestone. The reaction between the water, limestone, and the high pressure of the earth creates carbon dioxide and dissolves it into the water.

In this lab experiment, students used baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), citric acid, and sweeteners to develop their own soda pop recipe. When they mixed baking soda and citric acid together with water, a chemical reaction took place creating carbon dioxide in the water (carbonated water). The class enjoyed doing the lab experiment, especially the tasting of the soda pop!