Discover the magic of chemistry by using baking soda and vinegar to inflate a balloon without using your breath! You will learn how a chemical reaction between an acid and a base creates carbon dioxide gas.

Tools

• funnel
• measuring spoon

Materials

• empty plastic water bottles (500ml, 2)
• balloons (standard size, 2)
• white vinegar (1 cup per bottle)
• baking soda (2 tablespoons per bottle)
• food coloring (2 drops per bottle)

Safety

• Adult supervision required to ensure balloons are stretched and handled safely.
• Be careful not to get vinegar in your eyes; if it happens, rinse with water immediately.
• Perform this experiment on a tray or outdoors to catch any overflow spills.
• Do not eat or drink any materials used in this project.
• Protect work surface. Materials may stain clothing.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into each of the empty plastic water bottles.
2. Add 2 drops of food coloring to the vinegar in each bottle and swirl gently to mix.
3. Place the funnel into the neck of one of the balloons.
4. Carefully pour 2 tablespoons of baking soda through the funnel into the balloon, making sure all the powder settles at the bottom.
5. Carefully stretch the neck of the balloon over the mouth of the water bottle, being careful not to let the baking soda fall into the bottle yet.
6. Hold the balloon and the bottle steady, then lift the balloon up to allow the baking soda to drop quickly into the vinegar.
7. Watch as the mixture fizzes and the carbon dioxide gas fills and inflates the balloon!
8. Repeat the process with the second bottle and balloon to compare results.