hypothesis of vinegar and baking soda experiment

Learn about Reactions with This Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment

Take a peek in your pantry. Do you have baking soda and vinegar? If so, you and your kids have the basic supplies for a bubbly science experiment! 

These two products are staples in many households because they are essential cooking ingredients. , Baking soda helps baked goods rise, and a pinch or two will balance the acidity in dishes like tomato soup. Vinegar is a common ingredient in salad dressings and sauces, and a splash will elevate any dish in need of a bright, tangy flavor.

But can you mix vinegar and baking soda together? You sure can—and the result is a wonderful at-home science experiment. Vinegar and baking soda create a very effective cleaner for dishwashers, washing machines, clogged sinks, and even tile grout because of the chemical reaction that occurs when the two substances interact. You can harness this same reaction for an exciting chemistry activity!

The Science behind the Reaction

A baking soda and vinegar reaction is simple and safe for budding scientists of all ages. Older children may be curious about why the reaction occurs—here’s the rundown:

When combined, baking soda and vinegar undergo an acid-base reaction. Acids and bases are aqueous solutions (meaning they’re substances dissolved in water) that exist at opposite ends of the pH (potential of hydrogen) scale, which spans from 0 to 14. Acids measure between 0 and 7 and bases measure between 7 and 14, while a pH of 7 indicates a neutral substance. In simple terms, bases have the potential to gain hydrogen ions (an ion is a type of atom, one of the tiny building blocks that make up all matter), while acids have the potential to donate hydrogen ions to another substance.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has a pH level of 9, making it a base. Vinegar, which is acetic acid dissolved in water, has a pH level of 2–3, making it an acid. , Baking soda is made up of sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms. Vinegar is made up of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms.

When you mix baking soda and vinegar together, two hydrogen atoms move from the vinegar to the baking soda to create a salt called sodium acetate. The remaining atoms create a new acid—but it breaks down quickly into water and carbon dioxide gas.

It’s Time for an Experiment

Your kids can witness an acid-base chemical reaction right in your kitchen. This baking soda experiment for kids combines vinegar and baking soda, then uses the resulting carbon dioxide gas to inflate a balloon. This same reaction is behind science projects like fizzy potions and DIY volcanoes .

Children of all ages can participate in every step of this experiment, but younger kids may need help from an adult. You know your kid scientists’ abilities best!

Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment

• ⅓ cup baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 empty plastic water or soda bottle
• 1 uninflated balloon
• 1 funnel 
• Use the funnel to fill the uninflated balloon with baking soda. Kids can help pour the baking soda while an adult holds the funnel and balloon. 
• Pour the vinegar into the empty plastic bottle. Fit the opening of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle, trying not to spill any baking soda out of the balloon.
• Once the balloon is securely attached to the bottle with no gaps for air to escape, lift the balloon and let the baking soda fall into the vinegar below.
• Watch as the baking soda and vinegar react—the mixture will bubble and fizz. As the reaction takes place, the balloon should begin to expand and fill with carbon dioxide gas!

Using the Scientific Method

The balloon experiment is an excellent way to show your children the wonders of chemistry from the comfort of home. You can build on their learning by teaching them to follow the scientific method. This process is what scientists around the world use to construct and test their hypotheses (what they think will happen in an experiment).

Help your children navigate the following steps:

• Identify a problem or question: Ask your kids, “What do you think will happen to the balloon when we combine vinegar and baking soda?” 
• Form a hypothesis : Encourage your children to guess how the vinegar and baking soda will react—and how that reaction will affect the balloon. Help them frame their hypothesis using the “if _____, then _____” format. For example: If the baking soda and vinegar mix, then bubbles will form and the balloon will expand.
• Conduct the experiment : Follow the steps in the experiment above to test their hypotheses. 
• Collect and analyze the results: Help your kids monitor how the experiment plays out. Older children can make notes, while young ones may want to take photos or draw pictures of the experiment.
• Provide a conclusion: Ask your kids if their hypotheses were correct. If they were, great! If not, ask them how the experiment differed from what they expected. Remember: Science is all about making wrong guesses and learning from them. Help your young chemists understand that an incorrect hypothesis is just as good as a correct one.

You and your kids can apply the scientific method to all kinds of at-home science experiments. There are plenty of family-friendly activities to grow your children’s interest in chemistry. For example, you could test whether a substance is acidic or basic using cabbage and water , or using carbon dioxide gas to create a miniature “snowstorm.”   

If your kids have a passion for experiments, sign them up for a science-based subscription box from Little Passports. The Science Junior box , designed for five-to-eight-year-olds, helps early elementary schoolers explore the wonders of science firsthand. Science Expeditions teaches children ages eight and up about more advanced scientific topics, such as aerodynamics and solar energy. Each month you’ll receive a box full of activities and discoveries to help your budding scientists flourish and grow.

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Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction: An Exciting Chemistry Exploration

The vinegar and baking soda reaction is a classic science experiment that never fails to amaze. When these two common household ingredients are combined, they create a chemical reaction that results in the production of carbon dioxide gas. This reaction is often used in baking to make cakes and breads rise, but it can also be used for cleaning and other practical purposes . The reaction occurs because vinegar is an acid (acetic acid ) and baking soda is a base (sodium bicarbonate). When they are mixed together, they undergo a chemical reaction called an acid-base reaction, which produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and a salt.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the vinegar and baking soda reaction, what makes vinegar and baking soda react.

The reaction between vinegar and baking soda is a classic example of an acid-base reaction. When these two substances are combined, they undergo a chemical reaction that results in the form ation of carbon dioxide gas. This reaction is often used in DIY science experiments , household cleaning, and even as a natural cleaning solution.

Vinegar, which is a weak acid known as acetic acid, reacts with baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, which is a base. When the two substances come into contact, they react to form water, sodium acetate, and carbon dioxide gas. The chemical formula for this reaction can be represented as follows:

CH3COOH + NaHCO3 → CH3COONa + H2O + CO2

Is Vinegar and Baking Soda a Chemical Reaction?

Yes, the reaction between vinegar and baking soda is indeed a chemical reaction. It involves the breaking and forming of chemical bonds between the reactants to produce new substances . In this case, the acetic acid in vinegar reacts with the sodium bicarbonate in baking soda to produce sodium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide gas.

This reaction is also an example of an acid-base reaction, where the acetic acid acts as the acid and the sodium bicarbonate acts as the base. The reaction between an acid and a base is characterized by the transfer of protons from the acid to the base, resulting in the form ation of water and a salt.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction Explained

The vinegar and baking soda reaction is a fascinating demonstration of chemistry in action. When vinegar and baking soda are combined, the acetic acid in vinegar reacts with the sodium bicarbonate in baking soda. This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat energy. As a result , the reaction mixture becomes warm.

The main product of this reaction is carbon dioxide gas, which is responsible for the fizzing and bubbling observed when vinegar and baking soda are mixed together. The release of carbon dioxide gas creates pressure, causing the reaction mixture to expand and sometimes even overflow.

The reaction equation for the vinegar and baking soda reaction can be summarized as follows:

Acetic Acid + Sodium Bicarbonate → Sodium Acetate + Water + Carbon Dioxide

This reaction is commonly used in science projects and educational experiments , such as creating a homemade volcano. By combining vinegar and baking soda in a model volcano , the reaction can be visually demonstrated as the “volcano ” erupts with the release of carbon dioxide gas.

In addition to its use in science experiments , the vinegar and baking soda reaction also has practical applications. The mixture of vinegar and baking soda can be used as a homemade cleaning agent due to its ability to remove stains and odors. It is a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners .

In conclusion, the reaction between vinegar and baking soda is a chemical reaction known as an acid-base reaction. It results in the form ation of carbon dioxide gas and other products . This reaction is not only a fascinating demonstration of chemistry but also has practical applications in household cleaning and DIY science experiments .

The Science Behind the Reaction

The vinegar and baking soda reaction is a classic example of an acid-base reaction. When vinegar, which is acetic acid, reacts with baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate, a chemical reaction occurs. This reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which is responsible for the fizzing and bubbling that we observe.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction Chemical Equation

The chemical equation for the vinegar and baking soda reaction is as follows:

In this equation , CH3COOH represents acetic acid (vinegar), NaHCO3 represents sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), CH3COONa represents sodium acetate, H2O represents water, and CO2 represents carbon dioxide.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction Formula

The reaction formula for the vinegar and baking soda reaction can be represented as:

C2H4O2 + NaHCO3 → CH3COONa + H2O + CO2

In this formula , C2H4O2 represents the molecular formula for acetic acid (vinegar).

Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction Balanced

The balanced equation for the vinegar and baking soda reaction is:

2CH3COOH + 2NaHCO3 → 2CH3COONa + H2O + 2CO2

This balanced equation shows that two molecules of acetic acid react with two molecules of sodium bicarbonate to produce two molecules of sodium acetate, water, and two molecules of carbon dioxide.

The vinegar and baking soda reaction is an example of an acid-base reaction, where the acetic acid (vinegar) acts as the acid and the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) acts as the base. When these two substances come into contact, they undergo a chemical reaction that results in the form ation of new products .

This reaction is also an example of a gas -forming reaction , as carbon dioxide gas is produced as a byproduct . The release of carbon dioxide gas is what causes the fizzing and bubbling that we observe during the reaction.

The vinegar and baking soda reaction is commonly used in DIY science experiments , such as the homemade volcano . By combining vinegar and baking soda in a volcano-shaped structure , the reaction can be visually demonstrated as the “volcano ” erupts with the release of carbon dioxide gas.

In addition to its use in science experiments , the vinegar and baking soda reaction also has practical applications in household cleaning. The combination of vinegar and baking soda creates a natural cleaning solution that can be used as a homemade cleaning agent . The reaction helps to break down dirt and grime, making it an effective and eco-friendly alternative to chemical cleaning products .

Overall, the vinegar and baking soda reaction is a fascinating example of kitchen chemistry. It showcases the basic principles of chemical reactions, gas creation , and pH balance . Whether used for educational experiments or as a natural cleaning solution, this reaction demonstrates the versatility and usefulness of everyday household items like vinegar and baking soda.

Observations and Experiments

Vinegar and baking soda reaction observations.

When vinegar and baking soda are combined, an interesting chemical reaction occurs. This reaction is known as an acid-base reaction, where the acetic acid in vinegar reacts with the sodium bicarbonate in baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas.

Here are some observations you can make during this reaction:

Fizzing and Bubbling : As soon as vinegar is added to baking soda, you will notice a rapid fizzing and bubbling action. This is due to the release of carbon dioxide gas.

Volcano-Like Eruption : The fizzing action can sometimes be quite vigorous, causing the mixture to erupt like a mini volcano . It’s a fascinating sight to witness!

Release of Gas : The carbon dioxide gas produced during the reaction can be seen as bubbles rising to the surface of the mixture.

Temperature Change : If you touch the container after the reaction has occurred, you might notice that it feels slightly cooler. This is because the reaction is an endothermic process, meaning it absorbs heat from its surroundings.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment Steps

If you’re interested in conducting a DIY science experiment using vinegar and baking soda, here are the steps you can follow:

Gather Materials : Collect the necessary materials , including white vinegar, baking soda, a container, and any additional items you want to use for your experiment .

Prepare the Container : Choose a container that is large enough to hold the reaction mixture without overflowing. It’s a good idea to use a clear container so you can easily observe the reaction.

Measure Ingredients : Measure out the desired amounts of vinegar and baking soda. The ratio of vinegar to baking soda can vary depending on the desired reaction intensity .

Combine the Ingredients : Carefully pour the vinegar into the container, followed by the baking soda. Be prepared for the immediate reaction and the release of carbon dioxide gas.

Observe and Document : Watch the reaction closely and take note of any observations you make. You can also record the time it takes for the reaction to complete or measure the amount of gas produced.

White Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment

One variation of the vinegar and baking soda experiment involves using white vinegar as the acid. White vinegar , also known as distilled vinegar , is a common household cleaning agent and can be easily found in most kitchens .

To conduct this experiment , follow the steps mentioned earlier using white vinegar instead of other types of vinegar. Observe the reaction and compare it to your previous observations .

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment

Another variation of the vinegar and baking soda experiment involves using apple cider vinegar . Apple cider vinegar has slightly different properties compared to white vinegar, which can result in a slightly different reaction .

Repeat the steps mentioned earlier, but this time use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar. Observe the reaction and note any differences you observe compared to the previous experiments .

These vinegar and baking soda experiment s are not only fun and engaging but also provide a great opportunity to learn about basic chemistry principles . Whether you’re conducting a science project or simply exploring kitchen chemistry, these experiments are sure to captivate your curiosity .

The Impact of the Reaction

Vinegar and baking soda reaction on skin.

The vinegar and baking soda reaction is a popular DIY science experiment that can have various impacts on the skin. When vinegar (acetic acid) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) are combined, they undergo an acid-base reaction, resulting in the form ation of carbon dioxide gas. This reaction can cause a fizzing or bubbling sensation on the skin, similar to the effervescence observed in a volcano experiment .

It is important to note that the reaction between vinegar and baking soda is generally safe for the skin, as both ingredients are commonly used in household cleaning and are considered natural cleaning solutions . However, individuals with sensitive skin or allergies may experience mild irritation or redness. It is always recommended to perform a patch test before applying any new substances to the skin.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction Before and After

Before the vinegar and baking soda reaction occurs, the two substances exist as separate reactants . Vinegar is a liquid composed mainly of acetic acid, while baking soda is a white powder consisting of sodium bicarbonate. When these two ingredients are combined, a chemical reaction takes place, resulting in the form ation of carbon dioxide gas, water, and a compound called sodium acetate.

The reaction equation for the vinegar and baking soda reaction can be represented as follows:

CH3COOH + NaHCO3 → CO2 + H2O + CH3COONa

After the reaction, the vinegar and baking soda are no longer present in their original forms . Instead, they have transformed into new products . The carbon dioxide gas is responsible for the fizzing or bubbling effect observed during the reaction, while the water and sodium acetate remain as byproducts.

Does Vinegar and Baking Soda Change Temperature?

The vinegar and baking soda reaction is an example of an endothermic process, meaning it absorbs heat from its surroundings. While the reaction itself does not significantly change the temperature , it can create a sensation of cooling due to the absorption of heat energy.

When vinegar and baking soda are combined, the reaction absorbs thermal energy from the environment , resulting in a decrease in temperature in the immediate vicinity of the reaction. This cooling effect can be felt when touching the container or area where the reaction is taking place.

It is important to note that the temperature change is localized and temporary. The overall impact on the surrounding environment is minimal, and the reaction does not have a significant effect on the overall temperature of a room or space.

In summary, the vinegar and baking soda reaction is a fascinating chemical reaction that can have various impacts . From its effects on the skin to the transformation of reactants into products, this reaction demonstrates basic chemistry principles and can be used as an educational experiment or a homemade cleaning agent . Just remember to exercise caution and perform the reaction in a safe and controlled environment .

The Reaction in Different Scenarios

Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction Cleaning

One of the most popular uses of the vinegar and baking soda reaction is for cleaning purposes . This DIY science experiment combines the power of an acid-base reaction to create a natural cleaning solution. When sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) reacts with acetic acid (vinegar), it produces carbon dioxide gas, which helps to lift dirt and grime. The chemical formula for this reaction is NaHCO3 + CH3COOH → CO2 + H2O + CH3COONa.

To use this homemade cleaning agent , simply mix vinegar and baking soda together to form a paste . Apply the paste to the desired surface and let it sit for a few minutes . Then, scrub the area with a sponge or brush and rinse with water. This chemical reaction not only helps to remove stains and odors but also leaves your surfaces sparkling clean. It’s a great way to maintain a clean and healthy home using natural ingredients .

Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment Volcano

Another popular experiment involving the vinegar and baking soda reaction is the volcano experiment . This educational experiment allows you to create your very own homemade volcano and witness an exciting chemical reaction .

To create a homemade volcano, you will need a container to act as the volcano structure , such as a plastic bottle or a mound of clay. Create a cavity in the center of the volcano structure where you can pour the reactants. In this case, the reactants are vinegar and baking soda.

When you pour vinegar into the cavity of the volcano and add baking soda, a vigorous reaction occurs. The vinegar (acetic acid) reacts with the baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to produce carbon dioxide gas, which creates a volcanic eruption effect . This reaction is an example of an acid-base reaction and an endothermic process. The reaction equation is CH3COOH + NaHCO3 → CO2 + H2O + CH3COONa.

The volcano experiment is not only a fun and exciting science project but also a great way to learn about chemistry basics , such as the pH balance and the reaction between an acid and a base. It’s a hands-on way to explore the world of kitchen chemistry and understand the principles behind chemical reactions.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment with Balloon

The vinegar and baking soda reaction can also be demonstrated using a balloon . This experiment showcases the gas creation that occurs when vinegar and baking soda react.

To perform this experiment , you will need a bottle , vinegar, baking soda, and a balloon . First, pour vinegar into the bottle , filling it about one-third of the way . Then, add baking soda to the balloon, being careful not to let it mix with the vinegar just yet.

When you’re ready, stretch the opening of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle , making sure it is securely sealed. Lift the balloon, allowing the baking soda to fall into the vinegar. As the baking soda reacts with the vinegar, carbon dioxide gas is produced, causing the balloon to inflate. This reaction is similar to the previous ones , with the chemical equation being CH3COOH + NaHCO3 → CO2 + H2O + CH3COONa.

This experiment is a great way to demonstrate the reaction between vinegar and baking soda and the form ation of a gas . It’s a simple yet fascinating demonstration that can be done as a science project or as an educational activity to learn about chemical reactions.

The Reaction Time and Ratio

How long does vinegar and baking soda react.

When it comes to chemical reactions, one fascinating experiment that you can easily try at home is the reaction between vinegar and baking soda. This reaction is an example of an acid-base reaction, where the acetic acid in vinegar reacts with the sodium bicarbonate in baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas. It’s a DIY science experiment that not only provides a fun and engaging experience but also has practical applications in household cleaning.

The reaction between vinegar and baking soda is known for its rapid reaction time . As soon as the two substances come into contact, a chemical reaction begins, resulting in the form ation of carbon dioxide gas. This gas is responsible for the fizzing and bubbling that you observe during the reaction. The reaction is highly exothermic, meaning it releases heat as a byproduct . This makes it an excellent choice for creating a homemade volcano or demonstrating the basics of chemistry.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction Time

The reaction time between vinegar and baking soda is relatively quick. Within seconds of mixing the two substances together, you will start to see the form ation of bubbles and the release of carbon dioxide gas. This rapid reaction time is due to the nature of the chemical formula involved. The acetic acid in vinegar (CH3COOH) reacts with the sodium bicarbonate in baking soda (NaHCO3) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and sodium acetate (CH3COONa).

Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction Ratio

The reaction between vinegar and baking soda follows a specific ratio to ensure optimal product formation . The ideal ratio is one part vinegar to two parts baking soda. This ratio allows for a balanced reaction , ensuring that all the reactants are used up and no excess remains. Using the correct ratio is crucial for obtaining the desired results in your science project or homemade cleaning agent .

In summary, the reaction between vinegar and baking soda is a fascinating and educational experiment that showcases the principles of chemistry. It demonstrates the creation of carbon dioxide gas through an acid-base reaction and can be used for various purposes , from creating a homemade volcano to making a natural cleaning solution. Remember to follow the recommended reaction ratio to achieve the best results in your DIY science adventures .

The Type and Nature of the Reaction

Vinegar and baking soda reaction type.

When vinegar and baking soda are combined, a chemical reaction occurs. This reaction is classified as an acid-base reaction, specifically a neutralization reaction . The reaction involves the acid, acetic acid (found in vinegar), reacting with the base, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), to produce carbon dioxide gas, water, and a salt.

Is Vinegar and Baking Soda a Combustion Reaction?

No, the reaction between vinegar and baking soda is not a combustion reaction . Combustion reactions typically involve the rapid combination of a fuel with oxygen, resulting in the release of heat and light. In the case of vinegar and baking soda, there is no oxygen involved, and the reaction does not produce heat or light in the same way a combustion reaction would.

Is Vinegar and Baking Soda a Redox Reaction?

No, the reaction between vinegar and baking soda is not a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction . Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between reactants. In the case of vinegar and baking soda, there is no transfer of electrons between the acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate. Instead, the reaction involves the acid-base neutralization process .

Is Vinegar and Baking Soda a Neutralization Reaction?

Yes, the reaction between vinegar and baking soda is a neutralization reaction . In this type of reaction, an acid and a base combine to form a salt and water. In this case, acetic acid (vinegar) and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) react to form sodium acetate (salt), water, and carbon dioxide gas. This reaction is commonly used in DIY science experiments , such as the classic volcano experiment .

Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction Exothermic or Endothermic?

The reaction between vinegar and baking soda is an exothermic process . This means that it releases heat energy into the surroundings . When the acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate react, the form ation of carbon dioxide gas and water releases energy in the form of heat. This is why you may feel warmth when conducting this reaction.

In summary, the reaction between vinegar and baking soda is an acid-base neutralization reaction . It is not a combustion or redox reaction . The reaction is exothermic, releasing heat energy. This chemical reaction is commonly used in various applications , such as DIY science experiments , household cleaning, and as a natural cleaning solution. Understanding the chemical formula , reaction equation , and the nature of this reaction can enhance your knowledge of kitchen chemistry and provide a fun and educational experiment for science projects or homemade volcano demonstrations .

What Other Chemical Reactions Can Be Used in Baking Other Than Vinegar and Baking Soda?

When it comes to baking chemical reactions in delicious treats , there are a variety of options beyond vinegar and baking soda. For example, cream of tartar can be used to stabilize and aerate egg whites in meringues and angel food cakes. Yeast is another powerful ingredient that causes dough to rise and gives bread its fluffy texture. And let’s not forget baking powder, which is a combination of baking soda and an acid, such as cream of tartar, producing carbon dioxide bubbles that make cakes and cookies light and tender.

In conclusion, the reaction between vinegar and baking soda is a fascinating and simple chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas. This reaction occurs due to the acid-base reaction between acetic acid in vinegar and sodium bicarbonate in baking soda. When these two substances are combined, they undergo a chemical reaction, resulting in the form ation of carbon dioxide gas, water, and a salt called sodium acetate. This reaction is commonly used in various household applications , such as cleaning, baking, and even as a science experiment . The vinegar and baking soda reaction is not only educational but also a fun and exciting way to explore the world of chemistry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the vinegar and baking soda reaction for cleaning purposes?

The vinegar and baking soda reaction for cleaning purposes involves the acidic vinegar (acetic acid) reacting with the alkaline baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to produce carbon dioxide, water, and a new chemical , sodium acetate. This reaction helps to break down stains and dirt, making it a natural cleaning solution for household use .

2. How long does the vinegar and baking soda reaction last?

The reaction between vinegar and baking soda is typically immediate and lasts until one of the reactants is used up, usually within a few minutes . The reaction time can vary depending on the quantities and concentration of the vinegar and baking soda used.

3. What are the observations made during the vinegar and baking soda reaction?

During the vinegar and baking soda reaction, one would notice the immediate production of a gas (carbon dioxide), which creates a bubbling or fizzing effect . The mixture may also become slightly warmer due to the exothermic nature of the reaction.

4. What is the chemical equation of the vinegar and baking soda reaction?

The chemical equation of the vinegar and baking soda reaction is CH3COOH ( acetic acid/vinegar ) + NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate/baking soda) -> CH3COONa (sodium acetate) + H2O (water) + CO2 (carbon dioxide).

5. What is the ideal ratio of vinegar to baking soda for the reaction?

The ideal ratio for the vinegar and baking soda reaction is one part baking soda to one part vinegar . However, this ratio can vary depending on the desired intensity of the reaction.

6. Is the reaction between vinegar and baking soda a chemical change?

Yes, the reaction between vinegar and baking soda is a chemical change . It involves the breaking and forming of chemical bonds to create new substances – water , carbon dioxide, and sodium acetate.

7. Can you explain the vinegar and baking soda reaction in simple terms?

The vinegar (an acid) and baking soda (a base) react to create a gas called carbon dioxide. This reaction is an example of an acid-base reaction. The bubbles and fizz you see are the carbon dioxide gas escaping the solution .

8. How does the vinegar and baking soda experiment work for a homemade volcano?

When vinegar and baking soda mix , they create a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas. In the confined space of a volcano model , this gas builds up pressure until it erupts, demonstrating a volcano’s eruption .

9. Does the temperature change during the vinegar and baking soda reaction?

Yes, the temperature can slightly increase during the vinegar and baking soda reaction. This is because it’s an exothermic process , meaning it releases heat.

10. Why do vinegar and baking soda react with each other?

Vinegar and baking soda react with each other because they’re an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda). When an acid and a base react, they neutralize each other, producing water and a salt (sodium acetate in this case) along with the release of carbon dioxide gas.

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Science News Explores

Study acid-base chemistry with at-home volcanoes.

Baking soda volcanoes are a fun demonstration, and with a few tweaks they can be an experiment, too

A few kitchen chemicals can give you an at home volcano. But you’re going to need more than one volcano for an experiment.

PeopleImages/E+/Getty Images

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• Google Classroom

By Bethany Brookshire

October 7, 2020 at 6:30 am

This article is one of a series of  Experiments  meant to teach students about how science is done, from generating a hypothesis and designing an experiment to analyzing the results with statistics. You can repeat the steps here and compare your results — or use this as inspiration to design your own experiment.

It’s a science fair staple: the baking soda volcano. This simple demonstration is easy to do. That clay mountain “smoking” in front of a poster board can be kind of sad, though. The whole thing looks like it was put together the morning of the fair.

But it’s not too difficult to turn this easy science demo into a science experiment. All that’s needed is a hypothesis to test — and more than one volcano.

A baking soda volcano’s foamy rush is the result of a chemical reaction between two solutions. One solution contains vinegar, dish soap, water and a little food coloring. The other is a mix of baking soda and water. Add the second solution to the first, stand back and watch what happens.

The reaction that occurs is an example of acid-base chemistry. Vinegar contains acetic acid . It has the chemical formula CH 3 COOH (or HC 3 H 2 O 2 ). When mixed with water, acetic acid loses a positively charged ion (H+). The positively charged protons in the water make the solution acidic. White vinegar has a pH of about 2.5.

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. It has the chemical formula NaHCO 3.  It is a base , which means that when mixed with water, it loses a negatively charged hydroxide ion (OH-). It has a pH of about 8.

Acids and bases react together. The H+ from the acid and the OH- from the base come together to form water (H 2 O). In the case of vinegar and baking soda, this takes two steps. First the two molecules react together to form two other chemicals — sodium acetate and carbonic acid. The reaction looks like this:

NaHCO 3  + HC 2 H 3 O 2  → NaC 2 H 3 O 2  + H 2 CO 3

Carbonic acid is very unstable. It then breaks apart quickly into carbon dioxide and water.

H 2 CO 3  → H 2 O + CO 2

Carbon dioxide is a gas, which makes the water fizz like soda pop. If you add a little dish soap to your acid solution, the bubbles will catch in the soap. The reaction produces a big fwoosh of foam.

Acids and bases will react together until there are no excess H+ or OH- ions present. When all the ions of one type are all used up, the reaction is neutralized. This means that if you have a lot of vinegar, but very little baking soda (or vice versa), you’ll get a small volcano. Varying the ratio of ingredients can change the size of that reaction.  

This leads to my hypothesis — a statement I can test. In this case, my hypothesis is that more baking soda will produce a larger explosion .

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Blowing it up

To test this, I need to make volcanoes with different amounts of baking soda while the rest of the chemical reaction remains the same. The baking soda is my variable — the factor in the experiment that I am changing.

Here’s the recipe for a basic baking soda volcano:

• In a clean, empty 2-liter soda bottle, mix 100 milliliters (mL) of water, 400mL of white vinegar and 10mL of dish soap. Add a few drops of food coloring if you want to make your explosion a fun color.
• Place the bottle outside, on a sidewalk, driveway or porch. (Do not put it on grass. This reaction is safe, but it will kill the grass. I learned this the hard way.)
• Mix together half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of water. Pour the mix into the 2-liter bottle as quickly as you can and stand back!

(Safety note: It’s a good idea to wear gloves, sneakers and eye protection such as glasses or safety goggles for this experiment. Some of these ingredients can be uncomfortable on your skin, and you don’t want to get them in your eyes.)

To turn this demonstration into an experiment, I’ll need to try this again, with three different amounts of baking soda. I started small — with just 10 mL, mixed with 40 mL of water. My middle dose was 50 mL of baking soda mixed with 50 mL of water. For my last amount, I used 100 mL of baking soda, mixed with about 50 mL of water. (Baking soda has a similar volume and mass, in that 10mL of baking soda weighs about 10 grams, and so on. This meant I could weigh the baking soda on a scale rather than have to measure it by volume.) I then made five volcanoes with each amount of baking soda, for a total of 15 volcanoes.

The explosion happens very quickly — too fast to mark its height accurately on a wall or yardstick. But once the eruption happens, the foam and water fall outside the bottle. By weighing the bottles before and after the reaction, and adding in the mass of the baking soda and water solution, I can calculate how much mass got ejected from each eruption. I could then compare the mass lost to show if more baking soda produced a larger explosion.

When I used only 10 grams of baking soda, the bottles lost 17 grams of mass on average. The eruptions were so small that most never made it out of the bottle. When I used 50 grams of baking soda, the bottles lost 160 grams of mass on average. And when I used 100 grams of baking soda, the bottles lost almost 350 grams of mass.

But that’s not quite the whole story. Because I added different amounts of baking soda and water to the bottles, there might not be as big of a difference here as I think. The extra mass from the 100-gram bottles, for instance, could just be because the reaction started out heavier.

To rule that out, I converted my numbers to the percent of mass lost. The 10-gram bottles lost only about three percent of their mass. The 50-gram bottles lost 25 percent of their mass, and the 100-gram bottles lost more than half of their mass.

To confirm that these results are different, I need to run statistics. These are tests that will help me interpret my results. For this, I have three different amounts of baking soda that I need to compare to each other. With a test called a one-way analysis of variance (or ANOVA), I can compare the means (in this case, the average) of three or more groups. There are calculators on the internet where you can plug in your data to do this. I used this one . 

The test will give me a p value. This is a probability measure of how likely I would be to get a difference between these three groups as large as the one I have by chance alone. In general, scientists think of a p value of less than 0.05 (five percent probability) as statistically significant . When I compared my three baking soda amounts, my p value was less than 0.00001, or 0.001 percent. That’s a statistically significant difference that shows the amount of baking soda matters.

I also get an F ratio from this test. If this number is around one, it usually means that the variation between the groups is about what you would get by chance. An F ratio bigger than one, though, means the variation is more than you’d expect to see. My F ratio was 53, which is pretty good.

My hypothesis was that more baking soda will produce a larger explosion . The results here seem to agree with that.

Of course there are things that I could do differently next time. I could make sure that my bottle weights were all the same. I could use a high-speed camera to measure explosion height. Or I could try changing the vinegar instead of the baking soda.

I guess I’m just going to need to make more explosions.

• White vinegar (2 gallons) ($1.92)
• Food coloring: ($3.66)
• Nitrile or latex gloves ($4.24)
• Small digital scale ($11.85)
• Roll of paper towels ($0.98)
• Dish soap ($1.73)
• Glass beakers ($16.99)
• Baking soda (three boxes) ($0.46)
• Two-liter soda bottles (4) ($0.62)

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Chemical Equation for Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction

The baking soda and vinegar chemical reaction finds use in chemical volcanoes , carbon dioxide production, and sodium acetate ( hot ice ) synthesis. It’s an aqueous (water-based) reaction between sodium bicarbonate and the acetic acid from vinegar. Here is the balanced chemical equation for the reaction and a closer look at the steps involved.

Balanced Chemical Equation for Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction

One mole of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) reacts with one mole of acetic acid (from vinegar) to yield one mole of sodium acetate, one mole of water, and one mole of carbon dioxide. The balanced chemical equation is:

NaHCO 3  + HC 2 H 3 O 2  → NaC 2 H 3 O 2  + H 2 O + CO 2

But, sodium acetate dissociates into its ions, so a better way to write the reaction is: NaHCO 3 (s) + CH 3 COOH(l) → CO 2 (g) + H 2 O(l) + Na + (aq) + CH 3 COO – (aq) Here, NaHCO 3 is sodium bicarbonate, CH 3 COOH is acetic acid, CO 2 is carbon dioxide, H 2 O is water, Na + is the sodium cation, and CH 3 COO – is the acetate anion. Also, s = solid, l = liquid, g = gas, aq = aqueous or in water solution.

How the Reaction Works

Remember, this chemical reaction takes place in water, so sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid dissociate into their ions, so the ions can essentially “switch partners” to form new products : NaHCO 3 (aq) + HC 2 H 3 O 2 (aq) = Na + (aq) + HCO – 3 (aq) + H + (aq) + C 2 H 3 O 2 – (aq)

The baking soda and vinegar reaction actually proceeds in two steps. First, sodium bicarbonate reacts with acetic reaction in a double displacement reaction to form sodium acetate and carbonic acid. Because baking soda is a base and acetic acid is an acid, the reaction is also an example of an acid-base neutralization reaction . The reason this happens at all is because the products are more thermodynamically stable than the reactants: NaHCO 3  + HC 2 H 3 O 2  → NaC 2 H 3 O 2  + H 2 CO 3 Carbonic acid is unstable, so it rapidly undergoes a decomposition reaction to form water and carbon dioxide: H 2 CO 3  → H 2 O + CO 2 Because the reaction occurs in water and sodium acetate is soluble in water, the chemical dissociates into sodium ions and acetate ions. If you boil off or evaporate all the water, you’ll get solid sodium acetate. Sodium acetate is called “hot ice” because a supersaturated solution spontaneously crystallizes, releasing heat and forming a crystalline solid that looks like water ice.

The carbon dioxide formed in the reaction escapes as bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. A small amount of detergent added to a baking soda and vinegar volcano traps the carbon dioxide gas to make “lava” bubbles that flow down the side of the container.

The baking soda and vinegar reaction is among the safety chemical reactions for children because both the reactants and products are safe enough to eat! The only consideration is that carbon dioxide released by the reaction is heavier than air and sinks to the bottom of the room. If the reaction is performed on a very large scale, enough carbon dioxide gas might be produced to cause hypoxic conditions near the floor. It’s unlikely anyone would mix enough chemicals for this to happen, but if you plan on filling your kiddie pool with baking soda and vinegar, do it outdoors on a breezy day 🙂

• Clayden, Jonathan; Greeves, Nick; Warren, Stuart; Wothers, Peter (2001). Organic Chemistry (1st ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-850346-0.
• Seidell, Atherton; Linke, William F. (1952).  Solubilities of Inorganic and Organic Compounds . Van Nostrand.

Related Posts

Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction Experiments

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!

hevanmiller

Howie Miller is as dedicated to fatherhood as he is to life long learning. Musician, Photographer, Educator, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Blogger, and founder of STEMtropolis, where you can share his adventures in STEM and STEAM with his family.

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Mega Baking Soda to Vinegar Ratio Experiment

Science Kindergartners Experiment 38 Comments

Set up a mega science experiment to figure out what baking soda and vinegar ratio works best for you and your preschooler!

We love a good baking soda and vinegar experiment, don’t you!??

I don’t know how many times the kids and I have done experiments with baking soda and vinegar .

But I’ve always questioned how much to use of each…

I’ve always just guessed and it turned out however it turned out.

Sometimes it was a great fizzy explosion, other times it just plain fizzled out.

However, the boys have always had a good time with our experiments.

But I thought it was time to figure out the ratio to make the best fizzy “explosion” using just baking soda and vinegar.

And letting the kids decide what worked the best.

First of all, why do baking soda and vinegar react the way they do?

I’m not all science-y and understand chemical reactions, so I had to look up a good answer for you from Steve Spangler Science.

The bubbles and foam you see are filled with carbon dioxide gas (CO 2 ) that’s being released by an acid/base reaction. Vinegar is acetic acid dissolved in water and baking soda is a base called sodium bicarbonate. Initially, the reaction makes carbonic acid which is unstable. It quickly breaks down into CO 2  and water. The gas then rapidly leaves the water creating foam and bubbles along the way.

You can read more about how the science behind this experiment as well as learn how to make and amazing rocket propelled by baking soda and vinegar over on Steve Spangler Science.

What ratio of baking soda to vinegar is best?

I set up an experiment for Henry and I to discover how to get the best baking soda and vinegar results.

We kept it a simple mixture, with just these 2 ingredients:

• baking soda

No added food coloring to worry about stains or anything like that. Keeping it very simple.

It might be handy to set this up on a tray, or outside and keep a sponge or towel handy to clean up the fizzy overflow.

I set up 3 glasses (clear).

Then, I had Henry write the numbers 1-2-3 each on a piece of paper to label the glasses so he could write down the results of his experiment.

The More Vinegar Experiment

First, I started by pouring vinegar in each glass.

I corresponded the number of tablespoons of vinegar to the number on Henry’s papers.

• 1 tablespoon 2 tablespoons
• 3 tablespoons

For this initial experiment, we used one tablespoon of baking soda as our constant for this round of experimenting.

Henry measured one tablespoon of baking soda and dumped it into the first glass with one tablespoon of vinegar and observed what happened.

We kept doing this (always with one tablespoon of baking soda) through all three glasses and found that the fizzing got bigger and better with each additional tablespoon of vinegar.

Another round of testing would be done to see the reaction with even more vinegar!

Does Even More Vinegar Get a Better Fizz?

Another setup was done with more vinegar, to see if the explosions would keep getting biger.

This time we tried more vinegar in each glass:

• 4 tablespoons
• 5 tablespoons
• 6 tablespoons

Each still with one tablespoon of baking soda poured in to test.

We found once again that the fizzing was quite a bit bigger and better with 6 tablespoons as a result.

Yes! More vinegar equals more fizz!

Yet another round of testing needed to be done. This time I skipped numbers and didn’t do consecutive counting so we could really see the difference.

I set up the cups each with different amounts of vinegar:

• 12 tablespoons

Whoa! 12 tablespoons of vinegar to 1 tablespoon of baking soda overflowed our glasses!

(Told you the sponge may come in handy for cleanup! However, baking soda and vinegar make excellent detergents, so maybe you could do this in the bathtub and scrub the soap scum off in the process! Ha!)

I can’t help but wonder if we were to try it with even more vinegar what the result would be.

But our glass was overflowing the way it was, so that was the end of our experimenting to find out the best ratio.

The next question I had…

Is it better to add baking soda to vinegar? Or vinegar to baking soda?

Would twelve tablespoons of vinegar have the same reaction if the roles were reversed and we added it to one tablespoon of baking soda, or does it not matter?

Would the chemical reactions be the same?

We HAD to find out!

So we tested that as well with the best ratio of baking soda to vinegar above.

The amount of fizzing was the same for both.

However… there is a difference in the time of reaction between the two.

When you add baking soda to vinegar like we did the first experiment above, the reaction it creates is sort of delayed, building up to a big fizz. But it’s slow building.

On the flip side, when you flip flop the roles and add the vinegar to the baking soda , the reaction is immediate and almost explosive.

Depending on the experiment you’re doing, you may want to do it one way over the other.

Our Mega Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment Results:

Adding vinegar to baking soda gives you an immediate reaction. Adding baking soda to vinegar, the reaction is delayed, but then fizzes the same amount.

More vinegar is better. A 12 to 1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda caused a fizzing explosion!

We could have kept going with this all afternoon! Henry was getting a kick out of the experiment and loved watching it overflow the cup.

Do you add baking soda to vinegar or vinegar to baking soda when you do these experiments?

When we do our blow up a balloon experiment , it is adding the baking soda to the vinegar that is already in the bottle. Which is a delayed fizz. I wonder what would happen if we did the opposite and reversed the roles? Would the balloon blow up more rapidly? Would the balloon explode?

That sounds like an experiment we need to try, or you need to try and report back and tell me how it turns out!

What experiments have you done with vinegar and baking soda?

About Jamie Reimer

Jamie learned to be a hands on mom by creating activities, crafts and art projects for her three boys to do. Jamie needed the creative outlet that activities provided to get through the early years of parenting with a smile! Follow Jamie on Pinterest and Instagram !

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Reader Interactions

38 comments.

ritchy says

November 5, 2021 at 11:24 am

good job keep it up

Jahseh says

November 3, 2021 at 10:24 am

Try sulfuric acid more reaction

lisa m fournier says

February 10, 2021 at 9:15 am

I would have loved to know the differentials between different types of vinegars being added to the baking soda.

Tabitha Lightfoot says

February 15, 2021 at 5:40 am

Hi Lisa! It was always just normal vinegar – the part that was different was the amount that was added to each cup.

October 8, 2019 at 1:34 pm

Another thought … has anyone determined the volumes of ingredients that work best in various bottle sizes? For instance, my Library class will be using 20oz bottles. Some use 16. Some use liter. If the bottle is filled too full, insufficient amounts of CO2 will form, reducing the height of the rocket. Not enough mixture volume and no lift off.

October 8, 2019 at 1:30 pm

I love the trial and error nature of this. Plus you don’t have to actually launch to see the results of this portion of the experiment. I think I’ll try and go beyond the 12:1 ratio and see what I can determine. Might be difficult to measure. Thoughts?

October 14, 2019 at 6:17 am

Hi Peter – we haven’t tried anything beyond 12:1 to see what happens but if you did it in a larger glass, you could definitely try it out! And, experimenting with different size bottles is a great idea! Let us know how it goes if you try it out!

chantol says

September 24, 2019 at 9:28 pm

how do you measure the eruption?

September 30, 2019 at 6:16 am

Hi Chantol! Great question – for this one, they just watched the reactions to see how high the fizz went in the glass.

Timmer says

August 2, 2019 at 6:20 am

Thanks so much for posting your experiment! – Not only did this answer a question I had, but it’s a wonderful example of exploring along with your kids! They learn a lot from watching how YOU go about asking and answering questions.

Amy Hopkins says

March 12, 2019 at 9:57 pm

Hi there! I’m a TK/K teacher and will be inviting the first-/second-grade class to join us for my very first vinegar/baking soda experiment in the classroom. Your informational website was very helpful! Thank you for sharing your experiment test results! The students are going to be so excited!!!

Sincerely, Amy Hopkins

Steve Hoover says

February 21, 2019 at 6:06 pm

I arrived at a different ratio for actually making CO2. I used a 12 oz jar and measured how much CO2 was in the jar by lowering a lit match in it and watching the level it went out at. I extracted gas from the jar with an animal feeding syringe I got from Tractor Supply and counted how many extractions it took to empty the jar based on match tests. I started with 3 to 1 which filled the jar and took 10 extractions to empty it. I don’t know if it overflowed the jar. Then I tried the 12 to 1 which only half filled the jar and at 5 extractions it was empty. Then I tried 6 to 1 and again was able to get 10 extractions. So IMO 1/2 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, 6 to 1 is the ideal for making CO2.

October 16, 2018 at 11:12 am

I am doing that for my science project in my secondary school. : )

July 20, 2018 at 8:39 am

Bake Soda & Vinegar. I just found my intro experiment to review Scientific Method for my HS Honors Chem class. Thanks! LOL.

Fay Rowland says

January 14, 2018 at 6:55 am

brillo, thanks, I’ve always wondered what the best ratio is, many thanks xx

November 4, 2016 at 8:35 am

Why vinegar and baking soda mixed will exploded?

October 23, 2016 at 8:18 am

I am studying in class 7. I had got a project of showing this experiment in class. Thanks for giving me tips about it.

August 7, 2017 at 4:26 pm

Because vinegar is a base while baking soda is an acid. When acid and base are mix together they will react. Thank you.

Chemist says

November 3, 2014 at 11:43 pm

Ideal ratio is 70g/L. A tablespoon is 15g and so will react with up to 215mL or around 14 tablespoons. :)

savannah bussey says

January 5, 2014 at 8:28 pm

Thanks for the great idea for the project. instead i used ballons over the top! But it was a amazing projext!! :)

April 22, 2013 at 3:00 pm

if you add a drop of dish detergent to your vinegar it will make the eruption last longer.

Jamie Reimer says

April 22, 2013 at 3:09 pm

No way!!!! I did NOT know that Andi! Thank you so much for the tip! I’ll be trying that next time for sure!

maryanne @ mama smiles says

April 22, 2013 at 2:35 pm

I love the way you turned this into a full-blown science experiment!

April 22, 2013 at 3:30 pm

Thanks Mary Anne! :) It was so much fun!

Daisy Broomfield says

April 22, 2013 at 9:15 am

What great science and what a useful thing to know! We often set off a volcano with baking soda and vinegar and have generally added more powder when it stopped fizzing- your test suggests we should use more vinegar. Thanks for the tip (I think my boys would like to do the research themselves too- just to check!!)

April 22, 2013 at 3:31 pm

Yeah I think vinegar would get more out of it…. but maybe not either if its the second time around… because the soda would be dissolved… I’m not sure! Another thing to test!

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Baking Soda and Vinegar Chemical Volcano

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• Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
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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

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• 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

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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

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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

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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."

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The Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction!

Introduction: The Vinegar and Baking Soda Reaction!

In this Instructable I will show the readers what happens with the vinegar and baking soda reaction and what I am trying to get is what amount and form is best for an awesome reaction.

I will try:

• Frozen vinegar room temperature baking soda,
• cold baking soda room temperature vinegar,
• 1 tsp vinegar 1/2 tsp baking soda,
• 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp vinegar,
• put the baking soda down first,

Any way, lets go to step two!

Step 1: The Explanation of What Will Happen

This is what happens when the two substances mix:

The experiment baking soda and vinegar is deceptively simple: what appears to be one reaction is actually two, happening in quick succession. This reaction is an example of a multi-step reaction.

What actually happens is this: the acetic acid (that's what makes vinegar sour) reacts with sodium bicarbonate (a compound that's in baking soda) to form carbonic acid. It's really a double replacement reaction. Carbonic acid is unstable, and it immediately falls apart into carbon dioxide and water (it's a decomposition reaction). The bubbles you see from the reaction come from the carbon dioxide escaping the solution that is left. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air, so, it flows almost like water when it overflows the container. It is a gas that you exhale (though in small amounts), because it is a product of the reactions that keep your body going.

What's left is a dilute solution of sodium acetate in water.

Basing my opinion on these facts I think that the "put the baking soda down first," will work best.

Step 2: Cold Baking Soda Room Temperature Vinegar Result #1

I put some baking soda in the freezer for 20 minutes and then put it in a glass of room temperature vinegar and the result was not what I expected.

It reacted well at first and then it fizzled out very quickly leaving a whole lump of baking soda and a pool of vinegar beside it, I stirred it up and it reacted like the first time and did the same thing again I stirred it up again and nothing happened.

I rate this method:

Duration:5/10

excitement:2/10

overall:6/10

Step 3: 1 Tsp Vinegar 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda #2

In this method I had 1 tsp vinegar and 1/2 tsp baking soda.

The reaction was small but it lasted longer than expected, still not much fizz because of the small amount.

I rate this method: Fizz:5/10

Duration:7/10

excitement:4/10

overall:5/10

Step 4: 1/2 Tsp Vinegar and 1 Tsp Baking Soda #3

In this method I used 1/2 tsp vinegar and 1 tsp baking soda

The fizz did not last long and most of the baking soda remained dry due to the large amount, in the end I added more vinegar (so not to waste the soda) and the fizz was a bit better (not pictured)

I rate this method: Fizz:3/10

Duration:2/10

overall:4/10

Step 5: Baking Soda Down First #4

For this method I put the baking soda down first and slightly compacted it and then added the vinegar and the result was amazing!

The solution fizzled over the top of the glass and onto the cupboard!

More fizz than expected but it didn't last long.

I rate this method: Fizz:8/10

Duration:4/10

excitement:7/10

overall:8/10

Step 6: Frozen Vinegar and Room Temperature Baking Soda #5

This time I froze the vinegar for about 40 minutes and then added the baking soda, At first it did nothing and then once the ice started melting the fun began!

It was by far the longest reaction and it had a fairly good fizz, it went in a series of bursts as the ice melted and lasted longer than 3 minutes it was amazing!

If I had to show someone the reaction between the two elements I would choose this method by far.

I rate this method: Fizz:6/10

Duration:10/10

excitement:8/10

overall:9.5/10

Step 7: Results

So the results are in!

With my ratings the order of all are as follows:

Best fizz: Baking soda down first #4

Longest duration: Frozen vinegar and room temperature baking soda #5

Most excitement: Baking soda down first #4

Overall: Frozen vinegar and room temperature baking soda #5

End result: #4 and #5 come a tie in my opinion.

If you want a short but large fizz go with method #4,

If you want a crazy long fizz go with method #5

Step 8: THE COMPETITION!

If someone can tell me the following detail on the vinegar bottle you can win a 3 month pro membership!

The detail:

Store it is from (eg. walmart)

In order to win you must get the answer correct and be the first person to do so!

Participated in the Scientific Method Contest

Participated in the Full Spectrum Laser Contest

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Easy STEM Activities & Experiments with Baking Soda & Vinegar

• Kids' Activities

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are the foundations of STEM education and the skills needed for knowledge careers in our high-tech future. An aspiring engineer, computer programmer, research biologist, chemist, or algorithm builder begins with a love of the core STEM subjects.

You can pique the interest of your kids in STEM activities from an early age – you can’t start too young with curiosity! The good news is that you don’t have to have a PhD to create fun STEM activities for your preschoolers or elementary-aged kids. With a few easily found materials, a little vinegar, and the familiar orange box of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda, you can create quick STEM challenges that use math and demonstrate scientific reactions.

While sodium bicarbonate may seem magical when it releases carbon dioxide to power a rocket or make popcorn kernels dance in water, you can explain that it’s not magic – it's science. Here are 7 fun and easy STEM experiments to try in the classroom or at home with baking soda.

1. Fizzy Hands

You don’t need any helium to make balloon-like hands! The Fizzy Hands experiment might bubble over (literally) but it’s a terrific DIY STEM activity that can help to explain how a solid and a liquid can combine to create a gaseous substance. In this case, the baking soda and vinegar react to create carbon dioxide (CO2) bubbles. The bubbles rise to the top of the liquid, which results in foam! Watch as the Fizzy Hand expands and the foam comes oozing out!:

Materials & Supplies

• 3 tablespoons of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda
• Wide mouth jar (plastic or glass)
• 3/4 cup vinegar
• Liquid dish soap
• Vinyl / Nitrile glove
• Food coloring
• Rubber bands
• Baking sheet or tray
• Safety glasses
• Lay materials out on a cookie sheet. It’s easier to clean up.
• Add vinegar, a good squeeze of dish soap, and food coloring to jar of choice. Stir with a spoon or swish to combine the ingredients. Set aside.
• (Adults only) Open up a paper clip and use a pointed end to poke a small hole in each fingertip on the glove.
• Add 3 tablespoons ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda to the glove, shaking it to fill the fingertips.
• Stretch and fit the open end of the glove over the top of the jar. Be careful NOT to spill any Baking Soda in. The fingers of the glove will drape over the jar.
• Place rubber bands around the base of the glove to secure it around the jar.
• Take your cookie sheet and jar/glove outside. Gently lift the glove and tip it to empty the baking soda into the jar. Swirl everything around, then stand back to steer clear of the foamy reaction!
• Bonus step: if you dare, you can add more Baking Soda and vinegar for an even bigger reaction. (You may need a *hand* for cleanup.)

The STEM Connection:

• The sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and weak acetic acid in vinegar react and trap the carbon dioxide to form bubbles.
• The mixture of the baking soda (solid) and vinegar (liquid) creates a gas and a liquid, which in turn results in a foam (a mixture of gas and liquid, or a colloid). The carbon dioxide pushes the foam out of the holes in each finger of the glove!

The baking soda volcano is a classic from everyone’s childhood, but somehow, it’s still cool to watch every time. You probably didn’t know you were taking part in a STEM activity and witnessing science in action. Try to remember when you saw baking soda and vinegar spew out of the top of a homemade volcano and delight in watching the wonder on your kids’ faces when it happens for them for the first time.

One of the best parts about building a baking soda volcano is that you can make it erupt again and again for pennies. All you need is a bit more vinegar and baking soda.

If you’re looking for a corn-y STEM activity for the fall, how about sprucing up the family harvest by making corn kernels dance around? The popcorn kernels are a great model to showcase the reaction between baking soda and vinegar and to talk about density. Their composition allows the carbon dioxide gas formed from the reaction to lift them to the surface and return them back to the bottom, turning popcorn into hop-corn.

While you’re waiting for the nutcrackers to come to life and dance on ice in the winter, try making corn kernels dance in autumn with this easy DIY STEM fun.

• ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda
• ¼ cup dry popcorn kernels
• Fill mason jar halfway with vinegar.
• Insert popcorn kernels so that they layer the bottom of each jar.
• Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the jar.
• Stir the kernels to get them dancing.
• Watch as the kernels bounce around.
• Optional: use the stopwatch to time how long it takes for the first kernel to rise and how long it takes for the kernels to stop moving.
• The vinegar and baking soda create carbon dioxide gas bubbles that get trapped in the bottom layer of the jar.
• Popcorn kernels are light enough to sink in the water, but not so heavy that they cannot be lifted by the bubbles.
• The gas bubbles lift the kernels. When the gas is released when the bubbles pop at the surface, the kernels fall back to the bottom of the jar.
• Extended STEM experiments:
• Try using different items besides popcorn kernels and see if the carbon dioxide bubbles can lift them. Predict whether you think they have the right density to dance! Examples to try:
• Grains of rice

6. Making Crystals with Baking Soda Baking soda can form crystals because it is a crystalline solid. A crystalline solid you probably already know and love is the salt you put on your French fries! Table salt (NaCl) and baking soda (NaHCO₃) both have sodium in their chemical formulas, so they have similar characteristics. Thanks to baking soda’s sodium crystalline structure, we can make our own crystals at home with just a few household items!   Materials & Supplies ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda Glasses or jars (at least two) Spoon Steel nails (2). These need to be heavy enough to sink to the bottom of the jar Hot tap water Piece of yarn or cotton string, about 6 in. long   Method Place the 2 glasses or jars across from each other, leaving space between them. Fill each glass with hot tap water. Add 2 tablespoons of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda to each glass and stir. If all the Baking Soda dissolves, add more Baking Soda until the water cannot dissolve it anymore, indicating that the mixture is saturated. Add a few drops of food coloring if you’d like your crystals to be colorful. Tie a nail to each end of the string/yarn and drop 1 nail into each glass. Let the string dangle a bit (like a smiley shape) between the glasses but not so much that the string touches the ground. Watch the string over the next few days. As the water evaporates, colorful crystals will begin to form along the string.   The STEM Connection: The water holds as much of the baking soda as it can until it becomes supersaturated, with the leftover salt leading to the creation of a solid. In this case, crystals! This is because the sodium and chloride ions that are left behind attract each other, bond, and materialize as crystals! How sweet (or salty) is that? Repeat this activity using regular table salt in one pair of jars, and sugar in another. Compare the crystal size and structure of each! Do crystals form faster for baking soda, table salt, or sugar? 7. Invisible Ink

The combination of baking soda and vinegar doesn’t just serve up explosive reactions. It can also leave traces! Ever wanted to play the part of an explorer who stumbles across a secret message? The Invisible Ink STEM activity allows you to do just that. Your baking soda and water "ink” will be invisible at first, then change color when introduced to heat. Using purple grape juice will produce other colors, as well! You don’t have to write words or letters either, so your preschooler can scribble away and still get a big payoff!

You might not be dusting off ancient artifacts, but this simple DIY STEM activity can still unlock your inner Indiana Jones or Nic Cage.

• Light bulb or other heat source
• Paintbrush or swab
• Measuring cup
• Purple grape juice (optional)
• Mix equal parts water and baking soda together in a cup or small container.
• Try a cotton swab, toothpick, or paintbrush as a utensil to write a message (or draw a picture) on your sheet of paper, using the baking soda solution as "ink."
• Allow the ink to dry. The paper will look blank, but you know there’s a message on it!
• Read the message by holding the paper up to a heat source, such as a light bulb (do not use a halogen bulb) or a hair dryer. The heat should turn the baking soda in the lettering brown, so you can read it.
• Alternatively, you can paint over the paper with purple grape juice, which should yield a different color and make the secret message visible!
• The introduction of a heat source reacts with the water and baking soda mix to reveal written messages, symbols or images.
• If using grape juice, the baking soda and grape juice make for an acid-base reaction, with the grape juice (acid) serving as a pH indicator for the sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda (base).

Want more fun things to do with your kids and baking soda? Check out these other ideas from ARM & HAMMER™:

• Kid-friendly slime
• Baking soda bath bombs
• Baking soda science fair projects
• DIY Baking Soda Kid Projects
• Arts & Crafts Activities with Baking Soda

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Video title

Self Inflating Balloon: Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment

This post may contain affiliate links.

Have you ever tried the baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment? This classic science experiment is really one of my favorites. It is an easy science experiment to do and it really is exciting to watch.  It creates a self-inflating balloon that kids think is the coolest!

The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar cause the balloon to inflate all on its own! It is a show-stopper experiment for kids.

(See more of my  STEM projects for kids.)

How to Do the Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment:

Supplies you will need for this simple science experiment:.

Plastic empty water bottle or soda bottles, cleaned out Large Balloon White Vinegar (acetic acid) Baking Soda (or sodium bicarbonate) Small  Funnel Spoon

TIP: Before starting the experiment, you will want to stretch out the balloon to make it more loose and easier to inflate.

Step 1- Pour 1-2 spoonfuls of baking soda into the opening of the balloon, using a funnel. You’ll need to shake it a bit to get it down into the base of the balloon.

Step 2- Use the funnel again and pour some vinegar into the empty plastic bottle until it is about an inch or two deep- maybe a few tablespoons of vinegar.  Exact amounts do not matter. Add a few drops of food coloring to change it up if you want- totally unnecessary.

Step 3- Carefully stretch the opening of the balloon around the mouth of the bottle leaving it hanging down until you are ready for the reaction.

TIP: Don’t let any of the baking soda dump into the bottom of the bottle while attaching it.

Step 4- When you are ready to see the chemical reaction happen, lift up the balloon allowing the baking soda to fall down into the bottle.

This is when the fun starts! Baking soda and vinegar mix to create an awesome chemical reaction. The gas from combining the two will escape as bubbles of carbon dioxide gas that cause the balloon to inflate. It’s impressive. The more gas there is created, the larger the balloon will get.

Your kids, if they are anything like mine, will beg to do the experiment again, then 10 more times! This is really a perfect science project for kids to try on their own.

If you do repeat it, you will need fresh vinegar in the bottle. Once a reaction happens, it is not quite so strong the second time through. The balloon does not usually inflate again unless the vinegar is fresh.My kids were amazed and wanted to do it again and again and again. Stock up on baking soda and vinegar if you are planning this one! Luckily they are both quite inexpensive.

(It’s a good thing they are both so cheap!)

The Science Behind It: Why the Baking Soda and Vinegar Reaction Works?

When the baking soda and vinegar reaction happens, it is an acid-base reaction. Vinegar is the acid and baking soda is the base. This reaction between the two causes a gas called carbon dioxide to bubble and foam. This gas having nowhere else to go, expands the balloon making the self-inflating balloon happen.

Here is the chemical equation behind it: Baking soda + vinegar — yields carbon dioxide + water + sodium ion + acetate ion   There is more to it than that, but that’s the basic explanation.

Try some variations to see if other reactions work:

Will baking powder work instead of baking soda?

Would lemon juice work instead of vinegar?

Could you do the same thing with an alka-seltzer tablet and soft drinks?

Use the scientific method to investigate different variations on this experiment to see how they work.

Want More Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiments?

We love the carbon dioxide reactions that these two substances create.

Check out these other ones we have done:

Easy Bottle Rocket Experiment

Bathtub Bottle Rocket

Film Canister Rocket Experiment

How to Make a Volcano experiment! (This one is fun because when the eruption occurs, the carbon dioxide bubbles pour over like lava!

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

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What a great idea! I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this experiment. My girls are 12 and 11 and still love doing at home science projects. Although they use Time4Learning science curriculum it is always fun to do your own.

Thanks for the idea!

Awesome! I’m making a list of simple, fun experiments to do this summer, and I’m adding this one to it! We don’t seem to get to these types of experiments during the regular school year! Stopping by from HHH and new follower! Thanks for sharing your experiment!

My boys loved this experiment too. 🙂

• Pingback: Fizzing & Bubbling Science Experiments - Teach Beside Me

I do experiments with 4 year old grandson, he loves this one. We did the volcano as well and now he explains what happens to everyone he wants to show it too. Thank you for sharing, it is fun teaching when the things work as well as yours.

fantastic from a grammy

Nice , it is possible to send easy experiments for kids with the help of video

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Science Fun

DIY Lava Lamp Chemical Reaction Science Experiment

In this fun and easy science experiment, we are going to show you how to make a DIY lava lamp by using a chemical reaction. Most do-it-yourself lava lamp science experiments require the use of an Alka-Seltzer tablet, but in this version we are going to show you how to make an awesome lava lamp with a few items you probably already have in your kitchen. This is a great visual science experiment to observe and also provides insight into density. 

• 1 cup of vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup of vinegar
• Food coloring
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon water
• Clear cup or glass
• Small bowl or cup
• Tray to catch and contain any spills caused by the bubbling chemical reaction.  

Instructions:

• Place the glass in the tray. 
• Add the 1 cup of vegetable oil to the glass.
• Next, add the 1/4 cup of vinegar.
• Add 4 to 8 drop of food coloring. 
• Mix well with the spoon.
• Now mix the baking soda and water in the small bowl. 
• Pour the baking soda and water mixture into the glass.
• Observe what happens. 

EXPLORE AWESOME SCIENCE EXPERIMENT VIDEOS!

How it Works:

The oil is less dense and thus seems to float on the vinegar. The oil is also less dense than the baking soda and water mixture. When the mixture is poured into the glass, it sinks to the bottom and the chemical reaction occurs between the baking soda and vinegar. This endothermic chemical reaction creates carbon dioxide as well as causes the glass to cool noticeably. As the carbon dioxide bubbles rise toward the surface, little globs of colored water stick to the bubbles creating the lava lamp effect. As the bubbles reach the surface, they pop, and the colored water sinks back toward the bottom of the glass. 

Make This A Science Project:

Does the temperature of the vinegar effect the chemical reaction? Do other types of oil behave differently than the vegetable oil. Do different amounts of water or baking soda cause any noticeable changes in the chemical reaction?  

EXPLORE TONS OF FUN AND EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS!

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72 Easy Science Experiments Using Materials You Already Have On Hand

Because science doesn’t have to be complicated.

If there is one thing that is guaranteed to get your students excited, it’s a good science experiment! While some experiments require expensive lab equipment or dangerous chemicals, there are plenty of cool projects you can do with regular household items. We’ve rounded up a big collection of easy science experiments that anybody can try, and kids are going to love them!

Easy Chemistry Science Experiments

Easy physics science experiments, easy biology and environmental science experiments, easy engineering experiments and stem challenges.

1. Taste the Rainbow

Teach your students about diffusion while creating a beautiful and tasty rainbow! Tip: Have extra Skittles on hand so your class can eat a few!

Learn more: Skittles Diffusion

2. Crystallize sweet treats

Crystal science experiments teach kids about supersaturated solutions. This one is easy to do at home, and the results are absolutely delicious!

Learn more: Candy Crystals

3. Make a volcano erupt

This classic experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid), which produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate.

Learn more: Best Volcano Experiments

4. Make elephant toothpaste

This fun project uses yeast and a hydrogen peroxide solution to create overflowing “elephant toothpaste.” Tip: Add an extra fun layer by having kids create toothpaste wrappers for plastic bottles.

5. Blow the biggest bubbles you can

Add a few simple ingredients to dish soap solution to create the largest bubbles you’ve ever seen! Kids learn about surface tension as they engineer these bubble-blowing wands.

Learn more: Giant Soap Bubbles

6. Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag

All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and water to blow your kids’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Leakproof Bag

7. Use apple slices to learn about oxidation

Have students make predictions about what will happen to apple slices when immersed in different liquids, then put those predictions to the test. Have them record their observations.

Learn more: Apple Oxidation

8. Float a marker man

Their eyes will pop out of their heads when you “levitate” a stick figure right off the table! This experiment works due to the insolubility of dry-erase marker ink in water, combined with the lighter density of the ink.

Learn more: Floating Marker Man

9. Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of easy science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring, but the visuals make it appealing and fun.

Learn more: Layered Water

10. Layer more liquids

This density demo is a little more complicated, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Kids will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).

Learn more: Layered Liquids

11. Grow a carbon sugar snake

Easy science experiments can still have impressive results! This eye-popping chemical reaction demonstration only requires simple supplies like sugar, baking soda, and sand.

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake

12. Mix up some slime

Tell kids you’re going to make slime at home, and watch their eyes light up! There are a variety of ways to make slime, so try a few different recipes to find the one you like best.

13. Make homemade bouncy balls

These homemade bouncy balls are easy to make since all you need is glue, food coloring, borax powder, cornstarch, and warm water. You’ll want to store them inside a container like a plastic egg because they will flatten out over time.

Learn more: Make Your Own Bouncy Balls

14. Create eggshell chalk

Eggshells contain calcium, the same material that makes chalk. Grind them up and mix them with flour, water, and food coloring to make your very own sidewalk chalk.

Learn more: Eggshell Chalk

15. Make naked eggs

This is so cool! Use vinegar to dissolve the calcium carbonate in an eggshell to discover the membrane underneath that holds the egg together. Then, use the “naked” egg for another easy science experiment that demonstrates osmosis .

Learn more: Naked Egg Experiment

16. Turn milk into plastic

This sounds a lot more complicated than it is, but don’t be afraid to give it a try. Use simple kitchen supplies to create plastic polymers from plain old milk. Sculpt them into cool shapes when you’re done!

17. Test pH using cabbage

Teach kids about acids and bases without needing pH test strips! Simply boil some red cabbage and use the resulting water to test various substances—acids turn red and bases turn green.

Learn more: Cabbage pH

18. Clean some old coins

Use common household items to make old oxidized coins clean and shiny again in this simple chemistry experiment. Ask kids to predict (hypothesize) which will work best, then expand the learning by doing some research to explain the results.

Learn more: Cleaning Coins

19. Pull an egg into a bottle

This classic easy science experiment never fails to delight. Use the power of air pressure to suck a hard-boiled egg into a jar, no hands required.

Learn more: Egg in a Bottle

20. Blow up a balloon (without blowing)

Chances are good you probably did easy science experiments like this when you were in school. The baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment demonstrates the reactions between acids and bases when you fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda.

21 Assemble a DIY lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as an easy science experiment! This activity combines acid-base reactions with density for a totally groovy result.

22. Explore how sugary drinks affect teeth

The calcium content of eggshells makes them a great stand-in for teeth. Use eggs to explore how soda and juice can stain teeth and wear down the enamel. Expand your learning by trying different toothpaste-and-toothbrush combinations to see how effective they are.

Learn more: Sugar and Teeth Experiment

23. Mummify a hot dog

If your kids are fascinated by the Egyptians, they’ll love learning to mummify a hot dog! No need for canopic jars , just grab some baking soda and get started.

24. Extinguish flames with carbon dioxide

This is a fiery twist on acid-base experiments. Light a candle and talk about what fire needs in order to survive. Then, create an acid-base reaction and “pour” the carbon dioxide to extinguish the flame. The CO2 gas acts like a liquid, suffocating the fire.

25. Send secret messages with invisible ink

Turn your kids into secret agents! Write messages with a paintbrush dipped in lemon juice, then hold the paper over a heat source and watch the invisible become visible as oxidation goes to work.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

26. Create dancing popcorn

This is a fun version of the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment, perfect for the younger crowd. The bubbly mixture causes popcorn to dance around in the water.

27. Shoot a soda geyser sky-high

You’ve always wondered if this really works, so it’s time to find out for yourself! Kids will marvel at the chemical reaction that sends diet soda shooting high in the air when Mentos are added.

Learn more: Soda Explosion

28. Send a teabag flying

Hot air rises, and this experiment can prove it! You’ll want to supervise kids with fire, of course. For more safety, try this one outside.

Learn more: Flying Tea Bags

29. Create magic milk

This fun and easy science experiment demonstrates principles related to surface tension, molecular interactions, and fluid dynamics.

Learn more: Magic Milk Experiment

30. Watch the water rise

Learn about Charles’s Law with this simple experiment. As the candle burns, using up oxygen and heating the air in the glass, the water rises as if by magic.

Learn more: Rising Water

31. Learn about capillary action

Kids will be amazed as they watch the colored water move from glass to glass, and you’ll love the easy and inexpensive setup. Gather some water, paper towels, and food coloring to teach the scientific magic of capillary action.

Learn more: Capillary Action

32. Give a balloon a beard

Equally educational and fun, this experiment will teach kids about static electricity using everyday materials. Kids will undoubtedly get a kick out of creating beards on their balloon person!

Learn more: Static Electricity

33. Find your way with a DIY compass

Here’s an old classic that never fails to impress. Magnetize a needle, float it on the water’s surface, and it will always point north.

Learn more: DIY Compass

34. Crush a can using air pressure

Sure, it’s easy to crush a soda can with your bare hands, but what if you could do it without touching it at all? That’s the power of air pressure!

35. Tell time using the sun

While people use clocks or even phones to tell time today, there was a time when a sundial was the best means to do that. Kids will certainly get a kick out of creating their own sundials using everyday materials like cardboard and pencils.

Learn more: Make Your Own Sundial

36. Launch a balloon rocket

Grab balloons, string, straws, and tape, and launch rockets to learn about the laws of motion.

37. Make sparks with steel wool

All you need is steel wool and a 9-volt battery to perform this science demo that’s bound to make their eyes light up! Kids learn about chain reactions, chemical changes, and more.

Learn more: Steel Wool Electricity

38. Levitate a Ping-Pong ball

Kids will get a kick out of this experiment, which is really all about Bernoulli’s principle. You only need plastic bottles, bendy straws, and Ping-Pong balls to make the science magic happen.

39. Whip up a tornado in a bottle

There are plenty of versions of this classic experiment out there, but we love this one because it sparkles! Kids learn about a vortex and what it takes to create one.

Learn more: Tornado in a Bottle

40. Monitor air pressure with a DIY barometer

This simple but effective DIY science project teaches kids about air pressure and meteorology. They’ll have fun tracking and predicting the weather with their very own barometer.

Learn more: DIY Barometer

41. Peer through an ice magnifying glass

Students will certainly get a thrill out of seeing how an everyday object like a piece of ice can be used as a magnifying glass. Be sure to use purified or distilled water since tap water will have impurities in it that will cause distortion.

Learn more: Ice Magnifying Glass

42. String up some sticky ice

Can you lift an ice cube using just a piece of string? This quick experiment teaches you how. Use a little salt to melt the ice and then refreeze the ice with the string attached.

Learn more: Sticky Ice

43. “Flip” a drawing with water

Light refraction causes some really cool effects, and there are multiple easy science experiments you can do with it. This one uses refraction to “flip” a drawing; you can also try the famous “disappearing penny” trick .

Learn more: Light Refraction With Water

44. Color some flowers

We love how simple this project is to re-create since all you’ll need are some white carnations, food coloring, glasses, and water. The end result is just so beautiful!

45. Use glitter to fight germs

Everyone knows that glitter is just like germs—it gets everywhere and is so hard to get rid of! Use that to your advantage and show kids how soap fights glitter and germs.

Learn more: Glitter Germs

46. Re-create the water cycle in a bag

You can do so many easy science experiments with a simple zip-top bag. Fill one partway with water and set it on a sunny windowsill to see how the water evaporates up and eventually “rains” down.

Learn more: Water Cycle

47. Learn about plant transpiration

Your backyard is a terrific place for easy science experiments. Grab a plastic bag and rubber band to learn how plants get rid of excess water they don’t need, a process known as transpiration.

Learn more: Plant Transpiration

48. Clean up an oil spill

Before conducting this experiment, teach your students about engineers who solve environmental problems like oil spills. Then, have your students use provided materials to clean the oil spill from their oceans.

Learn more: Oil Spill

49. Construct a pair of model lungs

Kids get a better understanding of the respiratory system when they build model lungs using a plastic water bottle and some balloons. You can modify the experiment to demonstrate the effects of smoking too.

Learn more: Model Lungs

50. Experiment with limestone rocks

Kids  love to collect rocks, and there are plenty of easy science experiments you can do with them. In this one, pour vinegar over a rock to see if it bubbles. If it does, you’ve found limestone!

Learn more: Limestone Experiments

51. Turn a bottle into a rain gauge

All you need is a plastic bottle, a ruler, and a permanent marker to make your own rain gauge. Monitor your measurements and see how they stack up against meteorology reports in your area.

Learn more: DIY Rain Gauge

52. Build up towel mountains

This clever demonstration helps kids understand how some landforms are created. Use layers of towels to represent rock layers and boxes for continents. Then pu-u-u-sh and see what happens!

Learn more: Towel Mountains

53. Take a play dough core sample

Learn about the layers of the earth by building them out of Play-Doh, then take a core sample with a straw. ( Love Play-Doh? Get more learning ideas here. )

Learn more: Play Dough Core Sampling

54. Project the stars on your ceiling

Use the video lesson in the link below to learn why stars are only visible at night. Then create a DIY star projector to explore the concept hands-on.

Learn more: DIY Star Projector

55. Make it rain

Use shaving cream and food coloring to simulate clouds and rain. This is an easy science experiment little ones will beg to do over and over.

Learn more: Shaving Cream Rain

56. Blow up your fingerprint

This is such a cool (and easy!) way to look at fingerprint patterns. Inflate a balloon a bit, use some ink to put a fingerprint on it, then blow it up big to see your fingerprint in detail.

57. Snack on a DNA model

Twizzlers, gumdrops, and a few toothpicks are all you need to make this super-fun (and yummy!) DNA model.

Learn more: Edible DNA Model

58. Dissect a flower

Take a nature walk and find a flower or two. Then bring them home and take them apart to discover all the different parts of flowers.

59. Craft smartphone speakers

No Bluetooth speaker? No problem! Put together your own from paper cups and toilet paper tubes.

Learn more: Smartphone Speakers

60. Race a balloon-powered car

Kids will be amazed when they learn they can put together this awesome racer using cardboard and bottle-cap wheels. The balloon-powered “engine” is so much fun too.

Learn more: Balloon-Powered Car

61. Build a Ferris wheel

You’ve probably ridden on a Ferris wheel, but can you build one? Stock up on wood craft sticks and find out! Play around with different designs to see which one works best.

Learn more: Craft Stick Ferris Wheel

62. Design a phone stand

There are lots of ways to craft a DIY phone stand, which makes this a perfect creative-thinking STEM challenge.

63. Conduct an egg drop

Put all their engineering skills to the test with an egg drop! Challenge kids to build a container from stuff they find around the house that will protect an egg from a long fall (this is especially fun to do from upper-story windows).

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge Ideas

64. Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster

STEM challenges are always a hit with kids. We love this one, which only requires basic supplies like drinking straws.

Learn more: Straw Roller Coaster

65. Build a solar oven

Explore the power of the sun when you build your own solar ovens and use them to cook some yummy treats. This experiment takes a little more time and effort, but the results are always impressive. The link below has complete instructions.

Learn more: Solar Oven

66. Build a Da Vinci bridge

There are plenty of bridge-building experiments out there, but this one is unique. It’s inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s 500-year-old self-supporting wooden bridge. Learn how to build it at the link, and expand your learning by exploring more about Da Vinci himself.

Learn more: Da Vinci Bridge

67. Step through an index card

This is one easy science experiment that never fails to astonish. With carefully placed scissor cuts on an index card, you can make a loop large enough to fit a (small) human body through! Kids will be wowed as they learn about surface area.

68. Stand on a pile of paper cups

Combine physics and engineering and challenge kids to create a paper cup structure that can support their weight. This is a cool project for aspiring architects.

Learn more: Paper Cup Stack

69. Test out parachutes

Gather a variety of materials (try tissues, handkerchiefs, plastic bags, etc.) and see which ones make the best parachutes. You can also find out how they’re affected by windy days or find out which ones work in the rain.

Learn more: Parachute Drop

70. Recycle newspapers into an engineering challenge

It’s amazing how a stack of newspapers can spark such creative engineering. Challenge kids to build a tower, support a book, or even build a chair using only newspaper and tape!

Learn more: Newspaper STEM Challenge

71. Use rubber bands to sound out acoustics

Explore the ways that sound waves are affected by what’s around them using a simple rubber band “guitar.” (Kids absolutely love playing with these!)

Learn more: Rubber Band Guitar

72. Assemble a better umbrella

Challenge students to engineer the best possible umbrella from various household supplies. Encourage them to plan, draw blueprints, and test their creations using the scientific method.

Learn more: Umbrella STEM Challenge

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