Description
A fun and educational science experiment that uses baking soda and vinegar to inflate a balloon, demonstrating a chemical reaction and gas production.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 latex balloon (any color or size)
- 1 small plastic bottle (like a used water bottle)
- 2–3 tablespoons baking soda
- ½ cup vinegar (white distilled works best)
- Optional: A few drops of food coloring
- Optional: Glitter or essential oils
Instructions
- Prepare the Balloon: Stretch the balloon gently to loosen it up. Insert a small funnel into the balloon opening and pour 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda into the balloon. Remove the funnel and keep the balloon upright, then set it aside carefully.
- Fill the Bottle: Pour ½ cup of vinegar into the plastic bottle. For added visual effect, add 3–4 drops of food coloring. Optionally mix in a pinch of glitter or a drop of essential oil.
- Attach the Balloon: Stretch the balloon’s opening over the mouth of the bottle, ensuring it fits snugly. Keep the balloon tilted to the side so the baking soda doesn’t fall in yet.
- Trigger the Reaction: Lift the balloon upright so the baking soda falls into the vinegar and watch the reaction begin. The gas produced inflates the balloon.
- Observe and Discuss: Watch the fizzing action and balloon inflation. Discuss the chemical reaction that creates the gas (CO₂) filling the balloon.
Notes
- If you don’t have a funnel, roll a piece of paper into a cone shape and tape it to use as a makeshift funnel.
- This step is easier with two people—one to hold the balloon and one to stretch it onto the bottle.
- Optional Variations: Glow-in-the-Dark Version or Large-Scale Reaction.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Science Experiment
- Method: Chemical Reaction
- Cuisine: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: N/A
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A