If you mix vinegar and baking soda, which gas bubbles up?

If you mix vinegar and baking soda, which gas bubbles up?
a) Oxygen
b) Carbon dioxide
c) Hydrogen
d) Nitrogen

Correct Answer

b) Carbon dioxide

Vinegar contains acetic acid, and baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (a base).

When an acid reacts with a base, a chemical reaction occurs. In this case:

Acetic Acid + Sodium Bicarbonate →
Sodium Acetate + Water + Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

The bubbles you see are carbon dioxide gas escaping.

This reaction is commonly used in:

• School volcano experiments

• Baking (cakes rise due to CO₂ gas)

• Fire extinguishers (older models)

Other options:

• Oxygen → Not produced in this reaction

• Hydrogen → Produced in acid–metal reactions

• Nitrogen → Not involved here