Re: How long does it take for Co2 to dissolve into water?

Gasses are usually dissolved in water and other liquids by simply bubbling them into the water. The dissolving is usually instantaneous until no more gas will dissolve in the water. Your problem is not how long it takes, but more importantly how will you measure the amount of gas that is dissolved.

The concentration of CO2 in a carbonated beverage is rather high as long as the bottle is unopened, because the solubility is increased by having the CO2 present under great pressure. You might look for information on Henry's Law. As soon as this pressure is released (bottle opened), the solubility decreases and most of the gas comes out of the solution. Many bubbles appear. As you may know, this process is speeded up by shaking or adding something else that will dissolve in the water and "push" the CO2 out (like a Mento.) Without the aid of high pressures, rather small amounts of CO2 dissolve in most liquids. Since the concentrations are so low, it will be difficult to measure the amount dissolved. I hate to burst your bubble (no pun imtended), but I would look for another project.

Dr. Jerry Franzen