How famished are you when you arrive home after a busy day at school? Starving? Ravenous? Famished? Those are just a few of the adjectives that children might use to describe their hunger pangs when they burst through the front door.
Instead of starting on homework, the first destination many kids make is the refrigerator. If you have ever searched the refrigerator for food after school, you may have noticed that it also typically contains various other items that do not make a good after-school snack.
The door full of condiments contains items that are typically only good if they are added to something else. You are 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 cannot find edible food, you might be tempted to create 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 instance. Mixing those two ingredients will result in a reaction, but it will not taste good. In the correct amounts and containers, the mixture can even be highly explosive!
Baking soda and vinegar react chemically because one is a base and the other is an acid. Baking soda is a basic compound known as 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 initially combined, 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 break down 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 have ever made a homemade volcano as a science experiment, then you know firsthand what occurs when baking soda and vinegar react!
Give It a Try
Are you prepared to experiment with baking soda and vinegar? Request the assistance of a friend or family member to help you explore the following fun activities:
If you have never tried the classic science experiment using baking soda and vinegar, why not give it a go now? Find an adult friend or family member and create your very own Baking Soda & Vinegar Volcano today! For some added fun, use your smartphone to record your volcano in action so you can share it with your friends.
If making a volcano doesn’t interest you, how about making a Bubble Bomb instead? You will need the same two main ingredients, a grown-up to help, and a plastic bag. Enjoy experimenting with baking soda and vinegar!
If you want to take your experimentation to the next level, check out the online resource “How To Get the Best Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction” to learn how adding an extra ingredient, such as liquid dish soap, can make your baking soda and vinegar reactions even more exciting and bubbly!
Additional Resources
- 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
FAQ
1. What is the reaction between vinegar and baking soda?
When vinegar and baking soda are mixed together, a chemical reaction occurs. The vinegar, which is an acid, reacts with the baking soda, which is a base, to produce carbon dioxide gas, water, and a salt. This reaction is also known as an acid-base reaction or a neutralization reaction.
2. Why does the mixture of vinegar and baking soda bubble and fizz?
The bubbling and fizzing that occurs when vinegar and baking soda are mixed is due to the production of carbon dioxide gas. The reaction between the acid (vinegar) and the base (baking soda) produces carbon dioxide gas as one of the products. The gas escapes into the air, creating bubbles and causing the mixture to fizz.
3. Can you use any type of vinegar with baking soda?
Yes, you can use any type of vinegar with baking soda. The most commonly used vinegar is white distilled vinegar, but other types such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can also be used. The type of vinegar used may slightly affect the scent or color of the resulting mixture, but the chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda will still occur.
4. What are some practical uses for the mixture of vinegar and baking soda?
The mixture of vinegar and baking soda has various practical uses. It can be used as a natural cleaning agent for removing stains, unclogging drains, or deodorizing surfaces. It can also be used in cooking as a leavening agent in recipes that require a rise, such as certain types of bread or cakes. Additionally, some people use the mixture as a natural remedy for heartburn or indigestion.
5. Is the reaction between vinegar and baking soda safe?
The reaction between vinegar and baking soda is generally safe. However, it is important to note that the mixture can produce a lot of carbon dioxide gas, which can cause pressure to build up if contained in a closed container. This can potentially lead to an explosion or burst container. Therefore, it is important to use caution and avoid sealing the mixture in a closed container.
6. Can the mixture of vinegar and baking soda be harmful to the skin or eyes?
The mixture of vinegar and baking soda is generally safe for skin contact. However, prolonged or excessive exposure to the mixture can cause skin irritation or dryness. It is important to rinse off the mixture thoroughly if it comes in contact with the skin. As for the eyes, it is recommended to avoid direct contact with the mixture and to flush the eyes with water if accidental contact occurs.
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