What happens when you mix Vinegar with Baking Soda?

The chemical name of baking soda is sodium bicarbonate with formula NaHCO3. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and a great abrasive which is excellent for odour absorption and scrubbing.

On the other hand, Vinegar’s is an acid that cuts through grease and makes thing shine. Therefore, it is considered to be one of the best substances for cleaning hard surfaces, such as windows, countertops and other surfaces which need a shine.

Combing baking soda and Vinegar together have been one of the best middle-school experiments. Combining these two elements will give you a reaction; however, that tastes really bad. If both the substances are mixed in the right proportion, it can turn out into a downright explosive.

When they are mixed with something new forms as baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid. Baking soda has a chemical called sodium bicarbonate, and Vinegar is a blend of water and 5% acetic acid.

They actually have two separate reactions, first, is the acid-base reaction. When these two are combined, a new chemical named carbonic acid and sodium acetate is made. The second reaction is a decomposition reaction as the carbonic acid that is made as to the outcome of the first reaction immediately starts to decompose into water and carbon dioxide gas.

You must have seen carbon dioxide bubbles in a carbonated drink; the reason behind it is that carbon dioxide rises to the top of the mixture. This is what you see in the form of bubbles when you combine baking soda and Vinegar.

In fact, it has been seen that if both these substances are mixed in abundance in a small container with a big opening, there can be an impressive eruption. (See What Happens When you Mix Bleach and Ammonia?)

One of the best combinations of them is inflating a balloon. For this, you just need to put 1tspn baking soda in the balloon and take 1-litre empty bottle and put 4 tbsp vinegar in it. Put the balloon on the mouth of the bottle and tilt the Vinegar in it. Once you turn the bottle, you would see the balloon inflate. The reason behind it is that the carbon dioxide that forms fills up the balloon.

This experiment is used by the teachers numerous times to explain to the students about chemical reaction. Both these reactants are used in the household for cleaning and eating. Still, you should keep them away from kids. Also, ensure that it does not get splashed to the eyes and keep them away from your clothes. (See Which color is obtained by mixing red and yellow colors?)