Final answer:
When a carbonated beverage container is opened, the carbonation and flavor are lost as the dissolved carbon dioxide rapidly escapes from the solution, causing the beverage to become 'flat'. The time it takes for this to happen can vary, but it generally ranges from a few minutes to a couple of hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a carbonated beverage container is opened, the equilibrium of dissolved carbon dioxide is disrupted, causing the CO₂ to rapidly escape from the solution. As more and more CO₂ comes out of the liquid, the beverage becomes 'flat'. The amount of time it takes for a carbonated beverage to lose its carbonation and flavor depends on various factors such as temperature and pressure, but it typically ranges from a few minutes to a couple of hours.