What Happens When You Mix Vinegar and Baking Soda?

Vinegar is an acid (acetic acid), while baking soda is a base (sodium bicarbonate).
When combined, they react to produce carbon dioxide gas, water, and a salt.
The fizzing bubbles you see are carbon dioxide escaping into the air.
This reaction is a classic example of an acid-base neutralization.
The salt produced is sodium acetate, a harmless compound.
The reaction is endothermic, absorbing a bit of heat as it occurs.
Carbon dioxide gas builds pressure, which is why it powers model volcanoes.
The fizzing action can help clean drains by loosening debris.
Kids’ science projects often use this reaction to demonstrate chemical change.
It’s safe, simple, and a fun way to see chemistry come alive in the kitchen.