Why do bubbles in, for example, a glass of champagne, form from the bottom (lowest point) of the glass? From my understanding that should be the point of highest pressure, which should prevent bubble formation… thanks!
In: Chemistry
Bubbles in Champagne (and other sparkling wines) are caused by dissolved CO2 in the wine reacting with imperfections in the glass. The CO2 is a byproduct of yeast fermentation, which produces both alcohol and CO2, which, in turn, is dissolved in the wine because of the pressure in the bottle.
Bubbles appear when the dissolved CO2 touches a nucleation site, which is an imperfection in the glass, such as dust, traces of detergent, etc. The bubbles generally start at the bottom because that’s where most imperfections reside.
the pressure difference between the bottom and the top is negligible. The bubbles form everywhere they can, top, bottom, sides. basically a bubble needs something to form on (called a nucleation point) they dont just randomly form in the middle of a liquid (generally).
The bubbles then want to float. the ones on the side kinda stick to the side, but the ones on the bottom rise through the drink. the ones on the top just pop without you ever noticing.
You only notice the bubbles that rise, which are the ones that started on the bottom.
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