THE FUNDAMENTALS OF BUBBLE EVOLUTION

The five stages of evolution of a bubble are reviewed, from the birth (nucleation) through the growth, detachment, rise and bursting. In each case, the current state of knowledge and the outstanding challenges are presented. The emphasis is placed on bubbles formed from supersaturated gas solutions, where the supersaturation arises either from electrolytically produced gas, or by pressure release. The consequences of the common gases being surface active are explored.