Final answer:
The hiss heard when opening a soda can is due to the release of pressurized CO2, explained by Henry's Law, which states that the gas dissolved in a liquid is proportional to its partial pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The audible "hiss" upon opening a can of soda can be attributed to Henry's Law. When the can is sealed, carbon dioxide (CO2) is dissolved in the soda at a high pressure, which keeps more of the gas in a dissolved state. Henry's Law states that at constant temperature, the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the gas above the liquid. Upon opening the can, the pressure above the beverage drops quickly, causing the dissolved CO2 to escape from solution as bubbles and produce a hiss.
Henry's Law explains this behavior as part of the dissolution equilibrium process in carbonated beverages. Therefore, the correct option in the final answer is d. Henry's Law.