Bradley Gagnon

Perceiving CO
2
CEP 818
9/17/11

'Bubbles
Carbonation is an aspect oI beer that is rooted in the natural process oI Iermentation Irom
which all beer is created. When yeast consumes sugar to produce alcohol, carbon dioxide is also
created. Some oI this carbon dioxide is allowed to escape, but some is trapped by sealing the
beer in airtight containers that are capable oI withstanding high levels oI pressure. When this
carbon dioxide is trapped, it takes the Iorm oI tiny bubbles oI CO
2
gas within the liquid beer
solution.
These bubbles oI CO
2
are a part oI nearly every beer sold today. To the average beer
drinker, a Ilat beer would be undesirable iI not undrinkable. Carbonation is an important part oI
the beer drinking experience that aIIects the Ilavor oI beer, which involves more than just the
sense oI taste. Flavor also involves the other senses, and carbonation is primarily experienced by
the beer drinker through the sense oI touch. The tiny bubbles oI carbon dioxide stimulate the
inside oI the mouth and throat, and add to the reIreshing characteristic oI beer.
However, these bubbles are also experienced through the use oI the other senses as well.
The eyes perceive bubbles as circular masses oI gas that can combine with one another to Iorm
the Ioam that rests at the top oI a glass oI beer. This Ioam is called 'the Head. II a beer is
capable oI sustaining its Ioam Ior a long period oI time, it is said to have good 'Head Retention.
Individually, the bubbles Iloat to the surIace oI the liquid similar to other Iorms oI bubbles that
exist outside the realm oI beer. Most oIten, bubbles oI any kind are a delicate balance between
the diIIerent pressures exerted along the barrier between a liquid and a gas. This interaction oI
Iluids with one another is a natural Iorce that possesses a natural beauty exempliIied by the joy
Ielt when blowing bubbles with a child`s toy or with bubble gum.
The ears perceive bubbles in a much diIIerent way, which can sometimes be so intense
that it is Irightening. When a balloon is popped, the reaction is oIten a shriek oI surprise Irom
unsuspecting bystanders. This sound is why some people reIer to carbonated beverages as
'Soda, while others reIer to them as 'Pop. This example oI onomatopoeia is the ears
interpretation oI the swiIt end oI a bubble, or the opening oI a carbonated can. It is a sound that
is prevalent and easily recognizable, and thereIore it is oIten overlooked.
In the video titled 'The Sights and Sounds oI Bubbles, the overlooked characteristics oI
bubbles that are experienced through the use oI the senses oI hearing and sight are presented.
While the sense oI touch may be the most important in experiencing carbonation in beverages,
the details that can be experienced and observed by Iocusing on the other senses are beautiIul
and powerIul. The video 'The Sights and Sounds oI Bubbles can be Iound at the Iollowing
URL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?vklRXk3K8qRw