Question

The picture below shows a sealed plastic bag filled with vinegar at the bottom. A cup of baking soda is about to mix with the vinegar. When the baking soda mixes with the vinegar, bubbles will form and the plastic bag will start to expand. Why does the bag expand?

Answer 1

The plastic bag expands because when the baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid) mix together, they undergo a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas fills the empty space inside the plastic bag, causing it to expand and inflate.