Do Bubbles Form Due to Sudden Pressure Change?

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In summary, air bubbles are created when there is a sudden change in pressure, as seen in the typical coke can analogy. This is also seen in the 1986 event at Lake Nyos in Cameroon, where CO2 saturation led to an explosion and fatalities. Nucleation is the process that causes bubbles to form, and this can be observed in carbonated liquid as the pressure is released from a container. For more information on bubbles, you can refer to the physics today article.
  • #1
sameeralord
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What are air bubbles?

In the typical coke can analogy. As you open the can carbon dioxide goes out as bubbles. Are bubbles created when there is a sudden change in pressure. Emphasis on sudden there.

Thanks for the help :smile:
 
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Yes, just as in 1986, when Lake Nyos, saturated with CO2 from volcaniic action, suddenly "exploded" and asphyxiated over 1800 people in Cameroon.
http://www.geology.sdsu.edu/how_volcanoes_work/Nyos.html
Bob S
 
  • #3
Check this link:
http://www.deepocean.net/deepocean/index.php?science04.php
 
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  • #4
Hi sameeralord! :smile:

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nucleation#Examples_of_nucleation" …
Bubbles of carbon dioxide nucleate shortly after the pressure is released from a container of carbonated liquid.

See the same page for more details.

(For other interesting facts about bubbles, see the physicstoday article at http://scitation.aip.org/journals/doc/PHTOAD-ft/vol_56/iss_2/36_1.shtml" ! :biggrin:)
 
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FAQ: Do Bubbles Form Due to Sudden Pressure Change?

What causes bubbles to form in liquids?

Bubbles are formed when gases, such as air or carbon dioxide, are trapped in a liquid. The gas molecules become trapped due to surface tension, which is the force that holds the molecules of a liquid together.

How do bubbles get their spherical shape?

Bubbles are spherical because the surface tension of the liquid pulls equally on all sides, causing the bubble to take on a circular shape. This is the most efficient shape for the bubble to hold the trapped gas molecules.

Can bubbles be created in any type of liquid?

Yes, bubbles can be created in any liquid as long as there is a gas present to be trapped. However, some liquids, such as water, have a higher surface tension and may produce more stable and long-lasting bubbles compared to other liquids.

How are bubbles created in soap solutions or detergent?

Soap and detergent molecules have a hydrophilic (water-loving) end and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) end. When these molecules are added to water, they form a film on the surface of the water with the hydrophobic ends facing inward. This creates a thin layer of water with a higher surface tension, allowing bubbles to form more easily.

Why do bubbles eventually pop?

Bubbles pop when the surface tension can no longer hold the gas molecules inside. This can happen when the bubble comes into contact with a solid surface, or when the liquid inside the bubble evaporates, causing the surface tension to weaken. Bubbles can also pop due to changes in temperature or atmospheric pressure.

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