Mixing baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid) causes a chemical reaction that produces a salt (sodium acetate) and water, as well as carbon dioxide gas. In this demonstration, baking soda is placed in a balloon that is attached to a flask holding vinegar. This creates a closed system. When the baking soda is added to the vinegar, the carbon dioxide produced quickly fills the flask and inflates the balloon. This shows that gas, though it cannot be seen, has mass and takes up space.
© Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc./Kenny Chmielewski
