Why does baking soda fizz with vinegar?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Acid-base reaction makes CO₂
Molecules vibrate and release air — Wrong. Not mechanical vibration—chemical reaction. Acetic acid + sodium bicarbonate → sodium acetate + water + CO₂ (fizzing).
Vinegar boils baking soda — Wrong. No boiling occurs—chemical reaction at room temperature. Acid-base neutralization produces CO₂ gas bubbles (fizz).
Acid-base reaction makes CO₂ ✓ — Correct! Acid-base reaction! Vinegar + baking soda fizz because: (1) Vinegar—acetic acid (CH₃COOH). (2) Baking soda—sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃, base). (3) React: acid + base → salt + water + carbon dioxide. (4) Equation: CH₃COOH + NaHCO₃ → CH₃COONa + H₂O + CO₂↑. (5) CO₂ gas escapes—bubbles/fizz. Neutralization reaction. Useful: volcano models, cleaning (fizz lifts dirt). Also: baking (CO₂ leavens dough). Exothermic—slight warmth!