Baking Soda + Vinegar Reaction
Chemistry you can do in the kitchen
The most accessible chemistry experiment. Everything you need is already in the kitchen.
The Reaction
NaHCO₃ + CH₃COOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O + CO₂↑
Baking soda is a mild base, vinegar is a mild acid. When they meet, a neutralization reaction occurs and CO₂ gas is released. Those bubbles rising up — that's the CO₂.
Why the Vigorous Fizzing
CO₂ forms all at once inside the liquid and tries to escape. Because the reaction is fast, bubbles surge up instantly. Similar principle to shaking a carbonated drink.
Applications
Volcano models: A classic kids' science project. Put baking soda inside a model, pour vinegar (add red food coloring) and foam overflows like lava.
Cleaning: Sprinkle baking soda in a drain, pour vinegar, and the fizzing helps break down grease. It actually works.
Inflating balloons: Put vinegar in a bottle, put baking soda in a balloon, stretch balloon over bottle mouth — CO₂ inflates the balloon.
How It Works
Vinegar (acid) meets baking soda (base) and neutralization begins
CO₂ gas forms inside the liquid → vigorous bubbling
After reaction: sodium acetate (CH₃COONa) + water + CO₂ remain