Why does baking soda fizz with vinegar?

Answer: Acid-base reaction makes CO₂

Molecules vibrate and release air — Wrong. This isn't a physical vibration releasing trapped air; it's a chemical reaction. Acetic acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce sodium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide gas, which forms the bubbles.

Vinegar boils baking soda — Wrong. Nothing is boiling here—this happens at room temperature. The fizz comes from an acid-base neutralization that releases carbon dioxide gas.

Acid-base reaction makes CO₂ ✓ — Correct! Vinegar contains acetic acid (CH₃COOH), and baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), a base. When they meet, the acid and base neutralize each other and produce sodium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide gas: CH₃COOH + NaHCO₃ → CH₃COONa + H₂O + CO₂↑. The CO₂ escapes as the bubbles you see, and the reaction gives off a little warmth too.