Final answer:
The baking soda and vinegar experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction between an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda) that produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate. The reaction is described by a chemical equation and the fizzing and bubbling are caused by the release of carbon dioxide gas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The baking soda and vinegar experiment is a classic science experiment that demonstrates a chemical reaction between an acid (vinegar) and a base (baking soda). When the two are mixed together, they undergo a chemical reaction called neutralization. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) reacts with acetic acid in vinegar to produce carbon dioxide gas, water, and a salt called sodium acetate.
The reaction can be explained by the following chemical equation: NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate) + CH3COOH (acetic acid) → CO2 (carbon dioxide) + H2O (water) + CH3COONa (sodium acetate). The fizzing and bubbling of the mixture are caused by the of carbon dioxide gas. This gas creates bubbles that rise to the surface, creating the fizzing effect. Additionally, the release of carbon dioxide gas creates enough pressure to inflate a balloon when the reaction is conducted in a closed container, such as a balloon.