Baking Soda and Vinegar

One of the most popular science experiments is mixing baking soda and vinegar. When these two substances meet, they react right away. Bubbles fizz and foam rises up. This happens because an acid and a base are combining. The fizzing comes from carbon dioxide gas being produced.

The Chemical Reaction

Vinegar is an acid. Baking soda is a base. When they mix, a chemical reaction happens. The reaction produces three things: water, a type of salt called sodium acetate, and carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas is what makes all the bubbles and fizzing. The reaction happens very quickly.

Fun Experiments

You can use this reaction for many fun experiments. The classic baking soda volcano uses this reaction to make fake lava. You can also blow up a balloon by putting baking soda in a bottle of vinegar and stretching a balloon over the top. The carbon dioxide gas fills the balloon.

Fun Facts

• The baking soda and vinegar reaction produces enough gas to inflate a balloon in seconds.
• This same reaction is used in some fire extinguishers to produce carbon dioxide.
• Baking soda makes cakes rise because it reacts with acids in the batter and produces gas bubbles.

Did You Know?

Baking soda and vinegar can also be used for cleaning. The fizzing reaction helps loosen grime in drains and on dirty surfaces. It is a natural cleaning method that does not use harsh chemicals!