How to Make a Vinegar and Baking Soda Bottle Explosion

Vinegar is an active part of this kitchen-science project.

If you are looking for an interesting science project, try making a bubbly explosion by combining vinegar and baking soda in a covered bottle. The foam that is formed by the combined materials is the result of a reaction between the acetic acid in the vinegar and the sodium bicarbonate in the soda. The pressure that is released by these bubbles is enough to pop the top off a bottle.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• 20-oz. plastic bottle
• Funnel (optional)
• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Pour baking soda into a 20-oz. plastic bottle until there is about 1 in. of baking soda in the bottle. Use a funnel to make pouring easier.

2. Pour vinegar into the bottle until it is 3/4 full.

3. Set the cap back onto the bottle quickly, only giving it one turn.

4. Toss the bottle or give it a quick shake and stand back. The cap should burst off of the bottle as the contents explode outward.

Tips & Warnings

• You do not have to reattach the bottle cap if you simply want to see the baking soda and vinegar foam and bubble out of the bottle. If you do place the cap back on, wear protective eye wear in case the cap flies toward your face.

References

• Newton Ask a Scientist: Vinegar and Baking Soda II
• Dangerously Fun: Vinegar Grenade