Shaking a can of Sprite can have some interesting effects. When you shake a sealed can of carbonated soda like Sprite, the pressure inside the can increases as the carbon dioxide gas gets agitated. This can lead to more bubbles and a frothier pour when you open the can. Some other things that can happen when you shake Sprite include:
Increased Fizziness
Shaking a can of Sprite increases the fizziness and carbonation when you open it. The carbon dioxide gas gets disturbed inside the sealed can and becomes more dispersed in the liquid. When you open the can after shaking it, the CO2 comes out of solution faster which makes the Sprite more effervescent. This can lead to a frothier head and more bubbles.
Possible Explosion
If you shake a can of Sprite vigorously enough, you run the risk of building up so much pressure that the can explodes. The carbonated water wants to turn from liquid to gas, and shaking accelerates this process. Over time, the CO2 gas accumulates and the pressure continues climbing inside the can. If the pressure exceeds the strength of the can, it can rupture and explode soda everywhere in a frothy mess. This is why you should never shake carbonated drinks too hard.
Erupting Fizz
Even if the can doesn’t explode, shaking a Sprite can make the soda erupt when opened. The agitation from shaking causes more CO2 to be suspended in the liquid. When you open the can after shaking, the extra carbonation is released all at once. This can lead to the soda spewing out or foaming over unexpectedly as the gas rapidly comes out of solution. So make sure to point the opening away from yourself when opening a shaken Sprite.
The Science Behind Shaking Soda
Why does shaking a can of Sprite change its properties? Let’s take a closer look at the science behind carbonated beverages.
Carbonation Process
Sprite and other sodas are made carbonated by being mixed with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. The high pressure forces the CO2 to dissolve into the liquid, turning it into carbonic acid. This gives sodas their characteristic bubbles and fizziness.
| Substance | Chemical Formula |
|---|---|
| Carbon Dioxide | CO2 |
| Water | H2O |
| Carbonic Acid | H2CO3 |
Effects of Shaking
Inside a sealed can, the CO2 stays dissolved in the Sprite. But when you shake the can, it causes the gas to come out of solution, forming tiny bubbles throughout the liquid. The agitation from shaking accelerates the release of carbon dioxide from the carbonic acid.
Increased Pressure
As more CO2 bubbles form, pressure starts to build up inside the closed can. The gas wants to expand but can’t because the can is sealed. So the internal pressure keeps rising as you shake it more. This pressure is what causes the huge fizz eruption when you finally open the can.
Experimenting with Shaking Sprite
To see these effects in action, let’s try an experiment shaking cans of Sprite and comparing the results. Here is what you’ll need:
- 6 cans of Sprite
- Safety goggles
- Outdoor space for experimenting
- Timer
- Notebook and pen (for observations)
Step 1 – Prepare the Cans
Start by labeling your 6 cans numerically, #1 through #6. Make sure they are all fresh, full, sealed cans straight from the fridge. Chill them in the fridge beforehand if needed.
Step 2 – Shake the Cans
Take can #1 and shake it gently side to side for 5 seconds. For can #2, shake moderately for 15 seconds. Vigorously shake can #3 for 30 seconds. Leave can #4 untouched as your control. Then shake can #5 very hard for 45 seconds. Finally, shake can #6 extremely hard for a full minute.
Step 3 – Observe and Record
Line up your cans and open them one by one, away from your face. Watch and listen carefully as each one opens. Record your observations about the carbonation, fizzing, and any eruptions. Be very cautious when opening cans #5 and #6 in case they explode.
Step 4 – Analyze the Results
Compare your recordings for each shake time. Do you see a correlation between length/intensity of shaking and the force of the carbonation release? How did the control can (#4) compare? Does your data support the hypothesis about increased pressure from CO2 bubbles?
Factors that Affect Shaking Outcomes
Aside from shaking time, there are some other factors that can influence the results when you shake up a can of Sprite:
Temperature
Colder Sprite absorbs more CO2, so warming the can first could make shaking have a bigger effect. The opposite is true of very warm soda.
Can Size
Smaller cans have less liquid and headspace, so pressure builds faster when shaking them. Larger containers are less prone to erupting or exploding.
Can Material
Aluminum cans can withstand more pressure than plastic bottles. Shaking soda in a plastic container is more likely to cause leakage or bursting.
Carbonation Level
Sprites with higher CO2 volumes experience greater pressure rise when shaken. Flat or open Sprite won’t have the same explosive effect.
Other Applications of Shaking Soda
While there are risks involved, shaking soda can also have some fun and useful purposes:
Removing Excess Carbonation
If you want a less fizzy Sprite, shaking it briefly releases some of the gas so it goes flatter faster when opened.
Mixing Flavors
Shaking sodas like Sprite can help blend syrup flavors throughout the can before pouring.
Creating Thicker Foam
The bubble nucleation from shaking helps generate a dense foam head on the soda.
Propulsion for Rockets
The explosive force of shaken sodas has even been used as a propellant for homemade water rockets.
Safety Tips for Shaking Soda
While fun, shaking carbonated drinks can be dangerous if not done carefully:
- Wear protective eyewear
- Point cans away from people
- Never use glass bottles
- Watch out for pressure buildup in cans
- Don’t shake too vigorously
- Open cautiously after shaking
- Never shake warm or damaged cans
With the right precautions, you can safely shake Sprite and soda to produce some amazing eruptions of fizz. Just be sure to do it outside and take measures to prevent injuries or messes.
Conclusion
Shaking a can of Sprite increases the carbon dioxide bubbles, which raises the internal pressure. This pressure causes the soda to foam and fizz aggressively when opened after shaking. While exciting, shaking sodas too violently can cause them to explode, so proper safety measures should be taken. Overall, shaking carbonated drinks like Sprite provides a fun glimpse into the science of dissolved gases and fluid pressure. Just remember to be cautious, and happy shaking!