Have you ever wondered why vinegar and baking soda can put out a fire?
It seems like an unlikely combination, but the science behind it is fascinating.
By mixing these two household ingredients, a chemical reaction occurs that produces carbon dioxide gas.
This gas is heavier than air and can be poured over a flame, cutting off its oxygen supply and extinguishing it.
But how exactly does this process work?
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind this phenomenon and break it down for readers of all ages.
So sit back, grab some popcorn, and let’s dive into the world of vinegar, baking soda, and fire!
Why Does Vinegar And Baking Soda Put Out Fire?
To understand why vinegar and baking soda can put out a fire, we first need to understand how fire works.
Fire requires two things to burn: fuel and oxygen. Without either of these components, the fire will go out.
When we mix vinegar and baking soda together, a chemical reaction occurs that produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas is heavier than air and can be poured over a flame, cutting off its oxygen supply and extinguishing it.
The reaction between vinegar and baking soda is actually quite simple. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, reacts with any type of acid such as vinegar to form gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2). You can actually see it being produced—it makes the bubbles and foam that you observe when you add the vinegar to the glass dish.
The same carbon dioxide reaction makes a baking soda volcano erupt or inflates a balloon when you mix an acid with sodium bicarbonate. In this experiment, the CO2 extinguishes the candle flame.
Although you can’t see it, the CO2 produced by the baking soda–vinegar reaction starts filling the glass dish from the bottom up. Eventually, once all of the air in the glass dish is replaced by carbon dioxide, the flame has no more oxygen left to burn and it goes out.
If you try to light the candle again, it won’t ignite because the match also goes out once it enters the carbon dioxide layer in the glass dish.
The Chemical Reaction: How Vinegar And Baking Soda Produce Carbon Dioxide Gas
The chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda is a classic example of an acid-base reaction. Baking soda, which is a base, reacts with vinegar, which is an acid, to produce carbon dioxide gas. The reaction can be represented by the following equation:
NaHCO3 (s) + CH3COOH (aq) → CO2 (g) + H2O (l) + CH3COO-Na+ (aq)
In this equation, NaHCO3 represents baking soda, CH3COOH represents vinegar, CO2 represents carbon dioxide gas, H2O represents water, and CH3COO-Na+ represents sodium acetate.
When baking soda and vinegar are mixed together, the hydrogen ions in the vinegar react with the bicarbonate ions in the baking soda to form carbonic acid. Carbonic acid then immediately decomposes into water and carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide gas is what causes the bubbles and foam that are observed when vinegar and baking soda are mixed together.
The reaction between vinegar and baking soda is exothermic, meaning that it releases heat. This is why the mixture becomes warm when the two substances are mixed together.
Carbon Dioxide Gas: The Key To Extinguishing Fires
Carbon dioxide gas is an essential component in extinguishing fires. It is a non-flammable gas that displaces oxygen, which is necessary for combustion to occur. When carbon dioxide is released from a fire extinguisher, it quickly fills the surrounding area and pushes out the oxygen, effectively smothering the flames.
Carbon dioxide is also very cold when it is released from the extinguisher, which helps to cool the fuel and prevent re-ignition. This makes carbon dioxide extinguishers an effective choice for Class B and C fires, which involve flammable liquids and electrical equipment.
One important thing to note is that carbon dioxide may not be effective in putting out Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustibles such as wood or paper. This is because carbon dioxide may not be able to displace enough oxygen to successfully put out the fire. Additionally, Class A materials may smolder and reignite.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are commonly found in laboratories, mechanical rooms, kitchens, and areas where flammable liquids are stored. They are also used in sensitive telecommunication areas because they leave no mess behind, unlike chemical-, water-, and foam-based extinguishers.
It’s important to remember that carbon dioxide gas is heavier than air and can be poured over a flame, just like in the baking soda and vinegar experiment. By cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire, carbon dioxide can quickly extinguish flames and prevent further damage.
How To Use Vinegar And Baking Soda To Put Out Small Fires At Home
Vinegar and baking soda can be used to put out small fires at home, but it’s important to remember that this method should only be used in emergency situations where a fire extinguisher is not available. Here are the steps to use vinegar and baking soda to put out a small fire:
1. Assess the situation: Before attempting to put out a fire, make sure that it is safe to do so. If the fire is too large or spreading quickly, evacuate the area immediately and call 911.
2. Gather supplies: You will need a clear jar or bottle with a hole punched in the lid, vinegar, baking soda, a candle, matches or a lighter, and paper towels.
3. Mix the vinegar and baking soda: Pour the vinegar into the jar or bottle and add the baking soda using a funnel. The mixture will fizz and produce carbon dioxide gas.
4. Extinguish the flame: Hold the jar or bottle sideways over the candle flame, making sure that no liquid escapes. The carbon dioxide gas will pour out of the jar and smother the flame, cutting off its oxygen supply.
5. Clean up: Once the flame is extinguished, use paper towels to clean up any spilled vinegar or baking soda.
Remember, this method should only be used in emergency situations and does not replace having a certified fire extinguisher on hand. It’s also important to never use vinegar to put out a grease fire, as it can splash oil everywhere and make the fire worse. Stick with dry ingredients like baking soda or salt to deprive the fire of oxygen.
Safety Precautions When Using Vinegar And Baking Soda To Put Out Fires
While vinegar and baking soda can be effective in putting out fires, it is important to take certain safety precautions when attempting to use them as a fire extinguisher.
First and foremost, it is important to remember that baking soda and vinegar should only be used for small fires. Attempting to use them on larger fires can be dangerous and ineffective.
Additionally, it is crucial to turn off the heat source before attempting to extinguish the fire. Failure to do so can result in the fire reigniting or spreading.
When using vinegar and baking soda to put out a fire, it is important to avoid adding water. Water can cause the fire to spread and may result in serious injury.
It is also recommended to use a clear jar or bottle with a hole punched in the lid when attempting to extinguish a fire with vinegar and baking soda. This allows for better control and direction of the carbon dioxide gas being produced.
Finally, as with any fire extinguishing method, it is important to have an escape plan in place and to call for professional help if necessary.
Other Household Ingredients That Can Extinguish Fires
While vinegar and baking soda are effective at extinguishing small fires, there are other household ingredients that can also be used in case of an emergency.
One such ingredient is salt. Salt is a great absorber of heat for its volume and can help extinguish a decent size grease fire. A moderate amount – about a cup – can be poured over the flames to smother them and prevent them from reaching the oxygen they need to burn.
Another household ingredient that can be used to put out fires is flour or baking powder. However, it is important to note that these ingredients do not have the same attributes as baking soda and can ignite, making the fire worse.
Sugar should never be used to put out a fire, as it has a natural flammability that will cause the fire to spread.
Wet towels should also not be used to put out fires, as the water contained in the towel will cause the fire to flare up and spread the hot oil around the room.
It is important to note that water should never be used to put out a grease fire. Water will splash back and spread drops of hot oil, making the fire worse and injuring people standing around.
The safest way to put out a fire is by using an appropriate fire extinguisher. For grease fires, it is recommended to use a class B – “dry chemical fire extinguisher” or a class B-C “kitchen fire extinguisher”. Investing in this type of extinguisher is highly recommended for those who cook often with oils.
