Teach Chemistry with Baking Soda and Vinegar Bombs

Baking soda and vinegar can be used to show how acids and bases interact. A baking soda bomb is a simple experiment that demonstrates a complex chemical reaction.

Baking Soda And Vinegar: The True Story
Vinegar is an acidic liquid whose key ingredient is acetic acid. On the pH scale (where seven is neutral) vinegar has a low pH, around 3. Baking soda, known chemically as sodium bicarbonate, is an alkaline or "base" substance. On the pH scale, baking soda measures about 8.

When an acid and a base are mixed, they neutralize each other. The neutralizing reaction of baking soda and vinegar releases carbon dioxide. The result is a fizzy, bubbly eruption.

Creating A Memorable Reaction
Making a baking soda and vinegar bomb is a simple process. You'll need:

• 1 cup of vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• A small square of tissue paper
• A sandwich-size Ziploc bag

To demonstrate your fizzy bomb:

• Make sure you work outdoors or in a large sink with plenty of paper towel nearby.
• Pour the cup of vinegar into the plastic bag.
• Put the tablespoon of baking soda into the square of tissue paper.
• Twist the tissue paper into a little packet.
• Place the tissue paper packet into the bag and seal it tightly.
• Place the bag down quickly and watch the reaction!
• If the reaction is slow in starting, gently shake the bag.

The paper will dissolve, releasing the baking soda into the vinegar. The resulting reaction will generate carbon dioxide that will quickly fill the bag to bursting. For a more energetic reaction, use a 20-ounce plastic soda bottle. If you use a soda bottle, be prepared to clean up unless you're in an open area.