Effervescence Definition in Chemistry

Effervescence Definition in Chemistry

Effervescence involves gas bubbling from a liquid or solid.
Foam forming on top of a soda or beer is an example of effervescence. Jeremy Hudson / Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on February 04, 2019

Effervescence is foaming or fizzing that results from a gas being evolved from a solid or liquid. The term comes from the Latin verb fervere, which means "to boil." The word "fermentation" has the same source.

The most common gas released in effervescence is carbon dioxide, however nitrogen gas may be dissolved in liquids to produce smaller bubbles.

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Examples of Effervescence

Common examples of effervescence include bubbles and foam from champagne, carbonated soft drinks, and beer. It may be observed in the reaction between hydrochloric acid and limestone or between HCl and an antacid table.

Sources

  • Baxter, E. Denise; Hughes, Paul S. (2001). Beer: Quality, Safety and Nutritional Aspects. Royal Society of Chemistry. p. 22. ISBN 9780854045884.
  •  G. Liger-Belair et al. (1999). "Study of Effervescence in a Glass of Champagne: Frequencies of Bubble Formation, Growth Rates, and Velocities of Rising Bubbles". Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 50:3 317–323.
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Effervescence Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-effervescence-604435. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 26). Effervescence Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-effervescence-604435 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Effervescence Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-effervescence-604435 (accessed April 20, 2024).