vinegar and baking soda experiment formula

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

• FREE Experiments
• Kitchen Science
• Climate Change
• Egg Experiments
• Fairy Tale Science
• Edible Science
• Human Health
• Inspirational Women
• Forces and Motion
• Science Fair Projects
• STEM Challenges
• Science Sparks Books
• Contact Science Sparks
• Science Resources for Home and School

What is the Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction?

February 8, 2020 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever made an erupting volcano model you most likely used the baking soda and vinegar reactio n to make it erupt. Baking soda and vinegar react to neutralise each other ( vinegar is an acid and baking soda an alkali ) releasing carbon dioxide which is the bubbles of gas you see. If you add a little washing up liquid ( dish soap ) the foam becomes thick, a little like lava!

This reaction is used for lots of fun science experiments including popping bags and blowing up balloons .

Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction Equation

Baking soda + vinegar —-> carbon dioxide + water + sodium ion + acetate ion.

You can read more about the chemistry behind the reaction here .

Try an experiment!

Now you know the science behind the reaction why not try one of our many explosive baking soda and vinegar experiments .

One of our favourites is fizzy colour changing potions ! These use red cabbage indicator for the colour changing part and the vinegar and baking soda reaction to make the fizz!

Frozen baking soda ice cubes are great fun too!

More easy science for kids

Don’t forget I’ve got 100s more easy science activities and experiments for kids to try! We’ve got STEM challenges , kitchen science experiments and lots of ideas for science at home !

If you try any I’d love to see them so please do share on social media and tag @sciencesparks.

Last Updated on September 28, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Why Do Vinegar & Baking Soda React?

A very common stem reaction.

Baking Soda mixed with Vinegar. Two household products that have been entertaining kids around the world for decades due to their reaction with one another. When teaching science and STEM, the balloon being blown up by this reaction is probably one of the first demonstrations kids will try.

But what is actually going on behind the scenes that causes this visually pleasing reaction?

Reaction Explained Simply

The reaction is known as an 'Acid-Base' reaction.

Baking soda is a base, and vinegar is an acid. Vinegar isn't just an acid, it is an acid in water, which is important.

The water in the vinegar acts as a host where the base and acid react. During the reaction, when the baking soda is mixed with the vinegar, the baking soda (Base) takes a proton from the vinegar (Acid). The reaction causes the baking soda to transform into water and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is a gas which is released during the reaction, which gives it the bubbling effect, and it expands which will blow up balloons as you have probably seen in some experiments and demonstrations.

Vinegar + Baking Soda Video

Here is a great video demonstrating the reaction of vinegar and baking soda. It explains what has happened simply, and also demonstrates how the reaction can blow up a balloon.

The Reaction Explained in Complex Form

For the full and detailed explanation of what actually takes place when you mix vinegar and baking soda, we researched from professional scientists.

The best answer we could find was here: UCSB ScienceLine

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate: each molecule of baking soda contains a sodium atom, a hydrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a carbon dioxide molecule. Vinegar contains acetic acid, each molecule of which contains a hydrogen atom, and an acetate ion. When combined, the hydrogen atom in the acetic acid meets up with the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the baking soda to form a molecule of water, while the acetate ion grabs onto the sodium atom and forms a salt, sodium acetate. The carbon dioxide molecule, free of its other chemical bonds, can now escape and bubbles forth as a gas.

Kids Toys That Use Baking Soda & Vinegar

Our ever expanding list of toys that use bi-carb and vinegar as fuel. Baking soda and vinegar react which makes these toys awesome.

Suggested keywords:

• Science Experiments
• DIY Experiments
• School Experiments
• Kids Experiments
• Lab Experiments

vinegar and baking soda experiment

The vinegar and baking soda experiment is a classic and exciting science activity that demonstrates a chemical reaction. Discover how to conduct this experiment step-by-step and understand the science behind it.

The vinegar and baking soda experiment is a classic and popular demonstration that showcases the fascinating chemical reaction that occurs when an acid and a base interact. By combining vinegar (acetic acid) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), we can observe an exciting display of bubbling and fizzing. This experiment not only captivates the imagination but also serves as a valuable educational tool, allowing us to explore the properties of acids and bases in an interactive and engaging manner.

To conduct this experiment, you will need a few basic materials: baking soda, vinegar, a clear plastic bottle or glass jar, a funnel (optional), and a balloon (optional).

Let's walk through the steps of the experiment:

• Begin by selecting a clear plastic bottle or glass jar to serve as the container for the reaction. It's helpful to use a clear vessel, as it allows for better observation of the reaction.
• If desired, use a funnel to carefully pour a small amount of baking soda into the bottle, filling it to about one-quarter of its capacity. The funnel helps to prevent any spillage or mess.
• Slowly pour vinegar into the bottle, being cautious not to fill it to the brim. Leave some space at the top to accommodate the reaction that will take place. As the vinegar comes into contact with the baking soda, the magic begins.
• Observe the reaction as the vinegar and baking soda interact. Almost immediately, you will witness a flurry of bubbles and fizzing. This effervescent display is a result of the chemical reaction occurring between the acetic acid in the vinegar and the sodium bicarbonate in the baking soda.
• For an added interactive element, you can stretch a balloon over the top of the bottle or jar before pouring in the vinegar. As the carbon dioxide gas is generated during the reaction, it will inflate the balloon, creating a visual representation of the gas production.

The chemical reaction that transpires between the vinegar and baking soda can be explained by the following equation:

CH3COOH (acetic acid) + NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate) → CO2 (carbon dioxide) + NaC2H3O2 (sodium acetate) + H2O (water)

The reaction between the acid (vinegar) and the base (baking soda) produces carbon dioxide gas, which manifests as bubbles. Simultaneously, sodium acetate and water are formed as byproducts of the chemical reaction.

This experiment serves as an excellent educational tool, particularly for teaching children about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases. It provides a hands-on experience that allows them to witness the exciting transformation and understand the principles at play.

By engaging in the vinegar and baking soda experiment, children can develop a deeper appreciation for the world of chemistry. They can learn about the concept of chemical reactions, how different substances interact, and the role of acids and bases in these processes. Furthermore, the visual effects of bubbling and the inflation of the balloon make the experiment even more captivating and memorable.

However, it is important to note that while this experiment is safe and enjoyable, caution should always be exercised. Adult supervision is advised, especially when working with young children. It's crucial to handle the materials responsibly, avoid ingestion or contact with eyes, and clean up any spills promptly.

In conclusion, the vinegar and baking soda experiment provides an exciting opportunity to explore the chemical reaction between an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda). Through the combination of these two substances, we witness a captivating display of bubbling and fizzing, accompanied by the production of carbon dioxide gas, sodium acetate, and water. This experiment serves as an interactive and educational tool, allowing children to gain insights into the world of chemistry, understand the properties of acids and

• Share this :

Mohamed Aslam

Related posts, water experiments, most popular, how to make waterproof bag, how to make slime at home, how to mix soft drink and baking soda: a refreshing experiment, how to send a secret message like a secret agent, to our newsletter.

We sent you SMS, for complete subscription please reply.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

Wonder of the Day #1861

What Happens When You Mix Vinegar and Baking Soda?

SCIENCE — Physical Science

Have You Ever Wondered...

• What happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda?
• Why do vinegar and baking soda react the way they do?
• What types of substances are baking soda and vinegar?
• Baking Soda ,
• Ingredient ,
• Sodium Bicarbonate ,
• Acetic Acid ,
• Carbonic Acid ,
• Sodium Acetate ,
• Decomposition ,
• Carbon Dioxide ,
• Chemistry ,

Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Ngatau. Ngatau Wonders , “ What Would Happen If Vinegar And Baking Soda Combined? ” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Ngatau!

How hungry are you when you get home from a busy day at school? Starving ? Ravenous ? Famished ? Those are just a few of the adjectives that kids might use to describe their hunger pains when they burst through the front door.

Instead of starting on homework , the first stop many kids make is the refrigerator . If you've ever searched the refrigerator for food after school, you may have noticed that it also usually contains all sorts of other items that don't make a good after-school snack .

The door full of condiments contains items that are usually only good if they're added to something else. You're also likely to find other items that are used in the cooking process, such as vinegar. You might also find a box of baking soda intended to absorb odors in the refrigerator .

If you can't find edible food, you might be tempted to conjure up your own concoction with some of the things you found inside. Before you become a mad scientist in the kitchen, though, you should know that some of those things might not make a tasty treat.

Take baking soda and vinegar, for example. Mixing those two ingredients will get you a reaction, but it won't taste good. In the right amounts and containers, the mixture can even be downright explosive !

Baking soda and vinegar react chemically because one is a base and the other is an acid . Baking soda is a basic compound called sodium bicarbonate. Vinegar is a diluted solution that contains acetic acid .

The baking soda and vinegar reaction is actually two separate reactions. The first reaction is the acid -base reaction.

When vinegar and baking soda are first mixed together, hydrogen ions in the vinegar react with the sodium and bicarbonate ions in the baking soda. The result of this initial reaction is two new chemicals: carbonic acid and sodium acetate.

The second reaction is a decomposition reaction. The carbonic acid formed as a result of the first reaction immediately begins to decompose into water and carbon dioxide gas.

Just like carbon dioxide bubbles in a carbonated drink, the carbon dioxide (that formed as the carbonic acid decomposed) rises to the top of the mixture. This creates the bubbles and foam you see when you mix baking soda and vinegar.

If you mix a large amount of baking soda and vinegar in a small container with a narrow opening, expect an impressive eruption! Many science teachers use this simple chemical reaction to teach students about chemistry. If you've ever made a homemade volcano as a science experiment, then you know firsthand what happens when baking soda and vinegar react!

Wonder What's Next?

Tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day takes a look at a Native American art form with deep spiritual meaning!

Are you ready to experiment with baking soda and vinegar? Ask a friend or family member to help you explore the following fun activities:

• If you've never done the classic science experiment with baking soda and vinegar, what are you waiting for? Find an adult friend or family member and make a Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano today! For fun, use a smartphone to video your volcano in action, so you can share it with your friends.
• If you don't want to make a volcano, how about making a Bubble Bomb instead? You'll need the same two key ingredients, a grown-up, and a plastic bag. Have fun experimenting with baking soda and vinegar!
• Want to take your experimentation to the next level? Check out How To Get the Best Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction online to learn how the addition of an extra ingredient — liquid dish soap — can make your baking soda and vinegar reactions even more bubbly!

Wonder Sources

• https://www.reference.com/science/baking-soda-vinegar-erupt-6c17a2965924611c
• http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/science/vinegar-baking-soda-the-ultimate-cleanser
• http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/baking-soda-and-vinegar.html
• http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemicalreactions/f/What-Is-The-Equation-For-The-Reaction-Between-Baking-Soda-And-Vinegar.htm

Did you get it?

Wonder contributors.

We’d like to thank:

Zach , Zachary , kasey esther and Haley for contributing questions about today’s Wonder topic!

Keep WONDERing with us!

Wonder Words

• refrigerator

Fernando Ortiz Vallarta

Hi Fernando! 

Wonderopolis is the author. You can use the date you accessed the Wonder instead of a published date. 

Thanks for asking!

Hrm. That's a great question and definitely worthy of a Wonder Journey. Do let us know what you find out?

Yes it works bit yld add 12 tbsp of vinegar and 1 tbsp of baking soda. Make sure to add the vinegar first or whichever. ?

Thanks for sharing, Charity!

Yes, there is a reaction between vinegar and baking soda. Please make sure you are working with an adult and make sure you are following safety guidelines--such as wearing protective goggles! 

Regarding this baking soda and vinegar reaction. I'm puzzled, because some sites are talking about unclogging drains by using this specific reaction [website redacted]. To be honest, I've tried it, and for some reason it works in most cases. But - if those two ingredients "cancel" each other, what is the deal with this unclogging functionality? How could it work?

The acid/base does neutralize one another--but not before they have a bubbly reaction! This is how vinegar and baking soda can sometimes be used to unclog drains. Does that help, Emilia?

That's fair!

We're not sure, edwina! That would be a great thing for you to research. Let us know what you find out! 

Thanks for asking, Gilbert! We ask that Wonderopolis be listed as the author. Since we do not list the publish date for our Wonders of the Day, you may put the date you accessed this page for information. The following is how you would cite a page ---> "What Is a Rube Goldberg Machine?" Wonderopolis ,  https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-is-a-rube-goldberg-machine . Accessed 4 Oct. 2018.  Good luck!

HI, Constance.  Thank you for sharing your experience with us.  We recommend that you share this information with your doctor for advice!

Thank you so much Tannia! We're happy to hear that you found this Wonder helpful!

Hi, Arii! You're science fair project sounds really cool! Unfortunately, we can't help you come up with a hypothesis, but we can share  Wonder 1122: What Is the Scientific Method?   We'd love to hear how your project is going!

Hmm, sounds like it is the baking soda, but we encourage you to take a Wonder Journey if want to look into this further!!

Hi, kitten! The type of container shouldn't matter, as long as you're mixing the baking soda and vinegar! If it's a smaller container with a narrow opening, though, it can be more impressive!

? We're glad you like this Wonder, viv!!

Hi, tracianna! This Wonder should help you find out!! ? We're glad to have you as a Wonder Friend!

It turns into a volcano ?

Hi, i like pie!! This sounds like it would be an excellent experiment!! Why don't you take a Wonder Journey and see what you discover!! Let us know!! ?

Hi, Allan!! Try reading through this Wonder one more time to see if you can find this answer!! We would love to hear back from you to see what you discover!!

Thanks for asking, parent! We ask that Wonderopolis be listed as the author.  Since we do not list the publish date for our Wonders of the Day, you may put the date you accessed this page for information.  The following is how you would cite this page -----> "What Happens When You Mix Vinegar and Baking Soda?"   Wonderopolis.   https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-happens-when-you-mix-vinegar-and-baking-soda#comments .  Accessed 14 Aug. 2017.

Hmm...we aren't sure.  We have never tried that before.  We encourage you to try it (with adult supervision) and report back!  A science experiment!! ?

It's me. J/k! We are glad you are here WONDERing with us, Gavin!  How did you like this Wonder?

Sure!  Here you are - consider yourself "joined." ?

Awesome!  We love that you love to Wonder with us! ?

Bella ( Mrs. Thompson's Class)

That sounds amazing!  Did you make one of those volcanoes in science class?

Go for it!  But be safe (and maybe ask a parent first).

You're already in, Adrian!  Thanks for joining the conversation!  What did you think of this Wonder?

Have fun (but be safe)!  Thanks for checking out this Wonder!

Cool!  How did it go?

what about me wonderopolis

Hi, Jeff!  Did you try this out, too?

Of course, Ava!  How did you like this Wonder?

Caspar von Hollen

Go for it!  Maybe get parental permission first.  Also, go outside.  Oh, and stand back.  Have fun!

SUPA HOT FIRE

#ScroogdeMcDuck

How are you making the faces? Let me try , B)

Totally.  What's with the shrimp, though?

Supa hot fire

The shrimp is completely random:D

Ok good.  We thought we just missed something. ?

Kat is cool

Awesome!  So glad you enjoyed this one, Kat!  Keep on WONDERing with us!

Science is the ?est, Cole!  Glad you are WONDERing with us!

hihihihihihi#pokemonlover104:)

Spoiler alert.

Hi Allie!  That is so cool that you are actually doing this in class!  Glad to have you WONDERing with us!

Bla Bla Bla Bla

Emily Jones

Bummer.  Hate when science experiments don't quite work out the way you hope.  Glad you are learning about this, though!

i will try the bubble bomb

Good luck (and be safe)! ?

hey can i join

Hi, kitten! Of course! We want all of our Wonder Friends to wonder with us!!!

We are undergoing some spring clearing site maintenance and need to temporarily disable the commenting feature. Thanks for your patience.

Related Wonders for You to Explore

Do All Sharks Live In Saltwater?

What Type of Shark Is the Slowest?

Why Do Sharks Have Nostrils?

Who Was Kalpana Chawla?

How Do You Clean Up an Oil Spill?

Drag a word to its definition

Select a Wonder Word:

Match its definition:

Congratulations!

You’ve matched all of the definitions correctly.

Share results

Question 1 of 3

Sodium bicarbonate is more commonly known by what name?

• a baking soda Correct!
• b baking powder Not Quite!
• c salt Not Quite!
• d vinegar Not Quite!

Question 2 of 3

The reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces what gas?

• a petroleum Not Quite!
• b oxygen Not Quite!
• c carbon dioxide Correct!
• d helium Not Quite!

Question 3 of 3

Vinegar reacts with baking soda due to what substance in vinegar?

• a helium Not Quite!
• b acetic acid Correct!
• c nitrogen Not Quite!
• d iron Not Quite!

Quiz Results

Share Results

Spread the joy of wonder, get your wonder daily.

Subscribe to Wonderopolis and receive the Wonder of the Day® via email or SMS

Join the Buzz

Don’t miss our special deals, gifts and promotions. Be the first to know!

Share with the World

Tell everybody about Wonderopolis and its wonders.

Share Wonderopolis

Wonderopolis widget.

Interested in sharing Wonderopolis® every day? Want to add a little wonder to your website? Help spread the wonder of families learning together.

You Got It!

http://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-happens-when-you-mix-vinegar-and-baking-soda

© National Center for Families Learning (NCFL)

• Science, Tech, Math ›
• Chemistry ›
• Projects & Experiments ›

Baking Soda and Vinegar Chemical Volcano

Nicholas Prior / Getty Images

• Projects & Experiments
• Chemical Laws
• Periodic Table
• Scientific Method
• Biochemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Medical Chemistry
• Chemistry In Everyday Life
• Famous Chemists
• Activities for Kids
• Abbreviations & Acronyms
• Weather & Climate
• Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
• B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College

The baking soda and vinegar volcano is a fun chemistry project you can do to simulate a real volcanic eruption or as an example of an  acid-base reaction . The chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid) produces carbon dioxide gas, which forms bubbles in dishwashing detergent. The chemicals are non-toxic (though not tasty), making this project a good choice for scientists of all ages.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano Materials

eskaylim / Getty Images 

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Empty 20-ounce drink bottle
• Deep plate or a pan
• Gel food coloring
• Dishwashing detergent
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• Vinegar (dilute acetic acid)

Make the Volcano Dough

Laura Natividad / Moment / Getty Images

You can cause an eruption without making a "volcano," but it's easy to model a cinder cone. Start by making the dough:

• Mix together 3 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water, and 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
• Either work the dough with your hands or stir it with a spoon until the mixture is smooth.
• If you like, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the dough to make it volcano-colored.

Model a Volcano Cinder Cone

JGI / Jamie Grill / Getty Images

Next, you want to shape the dough into a volcano:

• Fill the empty drink bottle most of the way full with hot tap water.
• Add a squirt of dishwashing detergent and some baking soda (~2 tablespoons). If desired, you can add a few drops of food coloring.
• Set the drink bottle in the center of a pan or deep dish.
• Press the dough around the bottle and shape it to look like a volcano.
• Be careful not to plug the opening of the bottle.
• You may wish to dribble some food coloring down the sides of your volcano. When the volcano erupts, the "lava" will flow down the sides and will pick up the coloring.

Cause a Volcanic Eruption

Hero Images / Getty Images

You can make your volcano erupt over and over again.

• When you are ready for the eruption, pour some vinegar into the bottle (which contains hot water, dishwashing detergent, and baking soda).
• Make the volcano erupt again by adding more baking soda. Pour in more vinegar to trigger the reaction.
• By now, you probably see why it is important to use a deep dish or a pan. You may need to pour some of the "lava" into the sink between eruptions.
• You can clean up any spills with warm soapy water. If you used food coloring, you could stain clothes, skin, or countertops, but the chemicals used and produced are generally non-toxic.

How a Baking Soda and Vinegar Volcano Works

Jeffrey Coolidge / Getty Images

The baking soda and vinegar volcano erupts because of an acid-base reaction:

baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) + vinegar (acetic acid) → carbon dioxide + water + sodium ion + acetate ion

NaHCO 3 (s) + CH 3 COOH(l) → CO 2 (g) + H 2 O(l) + Na + (aq) + CH 3 COO - (aq)

where s = solid, l = liquid, g = gas, aq = aqueous or in solution

Breaking it down:

NaHCO 3 → Na + (aq) + HCO 3 - (aq) CH 3 COOH → H + (aq) + CH 3 COO - (aq)

H + + HCO 3 - → H 2 CO 3 (carbonic acid) H 2 CO 3 → H 2 O + CO 2

Acetic acid (a weak acid) reacts with and neutralizes sodium bicarbonate (a base). The carbon dioxide that is given off is a gas. Carbon dioxide is responsible for the fizzing and bubbling during the "eruption."

• You've Got Ingredients for a Chemical Volcano
• How to Make a Baking Soda Volcano
• Take Your Volcano Science Project to the Next Level
• Equation for the Reaction Between Baking Soda and Vinegar
• Ketchup and Baking Soda Volcano
• Fizzy Sherbet Powder Candy Recipe
• How to Make a Homemade Volcano That Smokes
• How to Make a Volcano Using Pop Rocks
• Fizzy Sparkling Lemonade Made With Science
• How to Make Non-Toxic Glue From Milk
• Fizzy Potion Recipe
• Effect of Acids and Bases on the Browning of Apples
• 5 Types of Science Fair Projects
• The Dancing Raisin Experiment
• Crystal Projects Photo Gallery
• Make a Cold Pack from Hot Ice

Educational Activities, Toys, and all things STEM

Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction Experiments

*We’re an affiliate – we may earn a commission through qualifying purchases from the links on this page. As always, thanks!*

From creating bubbling volcanoes to exploring the properties of acids and bases, vinegar and baking soda offer fun opportunities for hands-on learning and experimentation. 

So grab a bottle of vinegar and a box of baking soda, and get ready to have some fun!  We’ll explore some of the many experiments and activities you can do with these two versatile ingredients. Get ready to be amazed by the science behind the fizz! 

The Science and Chemistry of Vinegar and Baking Soda

The reaction between vinegar and baking soda is often used in science experiments to demonstrate chemical reactions or to create a gas that can be used to inflate a balloon or make a homemade volcano. It’s a simple and fun way to explore chemistry and learn about the properties of acids and bases., and we’ve done experiments with this chemical reaction a bunch of times.

Okay, that’s great and all – we know it ‘s a safe experiment that make a fizzy reaction. What’s actually happening? What’s the science behind simply combining these two ingredients?

The reaction between vinegar and baking soda is a classic chemistry demonstration that produces carbon dioxide gas. When vinegar and baking soda are mixed together, the acidity of the vinegar reacts with the basic nature of the baking soda to produce a chemical reaction. The reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which causes the mixture to bubble and foam. In this case, the acid is the vinegar (acetic acid) and the base is the baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). The salt produced in the reaction is sodium acetate, and the water is produced as a byproduct of the reaction. Here are the compounds involved:

• CH3COOH: acetic acid (vinegar)
• NaHCO3: sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
• CH3COONa: sodium acetate
• CO2: carbon dioxide gas

The chemical equation for combining vinegar (acetic acid) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is:

CH3COOH + NaHCO3 → CH3COONa + H2O + CO2

This reaction produces water, carbon dioxide gas, and sodium acetate (CH3COONa). This produces carbon dioxide bubbles, as the production of carbon dioxide gas is what gives the mixture its characteristic fizzing and bubbling. The overall reaction can be written as an acid-base reaction, with the acetic acid (vinegar) acting as the acid and the baking soda acting as the base.

Activities with Vinegar and Baking Soda

The kids always enjoy seeing the foam fizz up.  We usually need to do it multiple times so they each get a turn pouring in the vinegar.  

Remember to have some paper towels or rags on hand!  You can do what you can to try and contain the fizz and the mess, but always expect to be wiping up and prepare before you start mixing.

Make a Volcano

This is the classic experiment everyone thinks of with vinegar and baking soda.  It’s the go to experiment for good reasons:

• It’s quick and easy to do
• It doesn’t involve harsh chemicals
• It uses common kitchen ingredients
• It’s very visual

Place a small amount of baking soda and a paper cup or small glass (many science experiment or STEM kits include a plastic volcano specifically for this experiment.) In a separate cup or glass, add a few drops of red food coloring and some vinegar. Slowly pour vinegar over the baking soda. Watch as the mixture fizzes and bubbles, creating a “volcano” effect.

The exact amount isn’t vital, though you can use a 1:1 ratio (equal parts of each) for a starting point.  So, mixing 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 2 tablespoons of baking soda will give you a good reaction.  The more of both you uses, the bigger the reaction will be!

Apple Volcano

During our experiments with apples , we cored out an apple to use as a variation of the classic volcano.  We placed the baking soda in the apple and poured the vinegar over it.

Create a fizzy reaction

You don’t always have to make a volcano. Just mixing equal parts vinegar and baking soda in a small container will still provide the same demonstration. Observe the fizzing and bubbling that occurs as the two substances react.

Try adding a few drops of food coloring for different effects or occasions! Green bubbling cauldrons are great for Halloween!

Inflate a Balloon

Most people fixate on the fizz and foam created when doing this experiment. The byproduct of the vinegar solution is carbon dioxide gas, which is invisible.  By sealing the reaction in a closed space, we can “see” the results as the balloon gets inflated.  Check it out in our experiments with plastic bottles .

Pro tip: make sure your balloon doesn’t have a hole in it! 

Vinegar and Baking Soda Rocket Fuel

If you tried the experiment to inflate a balloon, you saw how the byproduct gas expands and inflates the balloon.  What if there was no where for the gas to expand?  It’d create increased pressure in a confined space until it stopped expanding – or it’d build up enough pressure to expand further.  

We can use that pressure (and release) as rocket fuel!

Materials needed:

• Recycled plastic bottle
• Baking soda
• Fins or a stand for the bottle

Important – you’ll definitely want to do this experiment outside with enough space for your rocket to shoot skyward and come back down.

• Grab an empty plastic bottle
• fashion some fins from sturdy cardboard, or build some legs for the rocket.  We simply used 3 chopsticks held in place by a rubberband to support the rocket for launch.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda into the plastic bottle.
• Pour vinegar into the bottle until it’s about 1/3 full.
• Quickly insert a cork into the opening of the bottle.
• Flip the bottle upside down so the cork is on the bottom and the rocket is resting on the fins or support.
• Place the bottle on a flat surface, step back, and watch it launch!

The reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces carbon dioxide gas, which creates pressure inside the corked bottle. This pressure builds up until it’s strong enough to push the cork out of the opening, propelling the bottle upwards. The fins at the bottom of the bottle provide stability and keep the rocket flying straight.

Check this out and more in our post on experiments with plastic bottles.

Explore the properties of acids and bases

Mix different amounts of vinegar and baking soda to see how the strength of the acid or base affects the reaction. You can also try using different types of vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar or white vinegar) to see how they compare.

As you make small tweaks, note the effects of each.  Remember to use the scientific method and make a hypothesis before testing it!

Invisible Ink with Vinegar and Baking Soda

You can use the leftover mixture form one of the above experiments as invisible in!  

• White paper
• Vinegar & Baking Soda Mixture
• Paint brush or Q-tip
• Candle or light bulb

Follow these steps: 

• In a bowl, mix equal parts of baking soda and water until the baking soda is fully dissolved. (Or use the leftover solution from one of the experiments above.)
• Dip a paint brush or Q-tip into the baking soda mixture and use it to write a secret message or draw a picture on the paper.
• Allow the paper to dry; the baking soda mixture will dry clear and the message will be invisible.
• To reveal the message, hold the paper close to a candle or light bulb. 

Make a Ball

Combine a small amount of vinegar and a larger amount of baking soda in a bowl. Slowly add cornstarch until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency. Roll the dough into a ball and watch as it bounces.  (Don’t expect it to be super ball level bouncy; it’s more of an experiment than a toy.)

• Measuring spoons
• Spoon for mixing
• Surface for rolling the dough
• Measure out 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 4 tablespoons of baking soda.
• Add the vinegar to a bowl.
• Slowly add the baking soda to the bowl while stirring continuously. This will create a foaming reaction.
• Continue stirring until the mixture stops foaming and becomes a paste.
• Slowly add cornstarch to the mixture while stirring until it forms a dough-like consistency.
• Remove the dough from the bowl and knead it with your hands until it becomes smooth.
• Roll the dough into a ball.

Science involved: When vinegar (acetic acid) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) are mixed together, they undergo a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas gets trapped in the dough-like mixture formed by adding cornstarch, causing the mixture to expand and become bouncy. 

The carbon dioxide gas produced creates bubbles in the dough-like mixture, making it bouncy. The more baking soda you add, the more carbon dioxide gas is produced, resulting in a bigger and bouncier ball. The cornstarch helps to bind the ingredients together and create a dough-like consistency.

Note: if you’ve done a volcano kind of experiment, you can make further use of that mixture  by slowly adding the corn starch to it until it’s doughy enough to shape into a ball.

Wrap Up – Vinegar Experiment with Baking Soda

This reaction is at the core of many classic science experiments, and it’s one of our favorites.  The key ingredients are easily found in most kitchens as the setup is easy.  With a few variations, you can use this for fun seasonal experiments and demonstrate several different science and chemistry concepts.

Don’t just dump the mixture when you’re done.  A cup of vinegar and baking soda can be an effective cleaning agent!  (Just don’t clean anything that food coloring may stain.)

Check out our STEM challenges with household products for more quick and easy experiments for kids, and check out our kitchen science experiments!

About the author

hevanmiller

Latest Posts

Slime Recipes and Variations: Different Types of Slime

Spread the loveSlime is a popular science experiment and sensory activity, and it’s easy to see why—it’s stretchy, squishy, and endlessly fun to play with! But did you know that there’s a whole world of different types of slime, each with its own unique texture, feel, and even special effects? We’ve got a collection of…

Slime Science Fair Project Ideas & Experiments

Spread the loveIt’s hard to land on a fun project for science fairs. Slime is always a winning idea. From chemistry to physics, slime provides endless opportunities to explore how materials interact, change, and behave under different conditions. There’s plenty of ideas to make slime the perfect science topic for a hands-on, engaging science project…

The Science of Slime: What makes Slime work?

Unlock the gooey secrets of slime! Learn the science behind how simple ingredients create slime, and learn how to make your own.