Why causes the reaction when baking soda and vinegar are mixed together?

Answer by  ScottHorn (232)

Baking soda is a base. Vinegar contains a percentage of acetic acid in water. Bases and acids react to give a neutral salt, and usually a gas. In the case of baking soda and vinegar they react to yield sodium acetate and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is the gas that makes the bubbles.

Answer by  gaiter (18)

Baking soda is a base, while vinegar is an acid. The vinegar donates a proton (H+) to the baking soda which results in CO2 being produced.

Answer by  fellwanderer (146)

Baking soda contains the base/alkali sodium bicarbonate NaH(CO3). The vinegar contains a mixture of acids with all have the chemical component COOH. When these two components are mixed together, they will react to form chemicals of lower energy (a ball placed on a slope will roll down). The COOH reacts with HCO3 to produce CO2 and H2O.

Answer by  user21 (361)

Baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid. When the two come together, they are neutralizing each other and form water.