When you add baking soda, water, and vinegar, a fun “dancing” show begins. Here’s the simple reason why:
1. Vinegar + baking soda make bubbles
When vinegar mixes with baking soda, they react and create carbon dioxide gas—the same gas in fizzy soda.
This gas forms tiny bubbles in the water.
2. Bubbles stick to the kernels
The bubbles attach themselves to the rough surface of the popcorn kernels.
When enough bubbles cling to a kernel, they make it float upward, almost like putting tiny life jackets on it.
3. Kernels rise… then fall
When the kernels reach the top, the bubbles pop.
Once the bubbles burst, the kernels get heavy again and sink back down.
4. The cycle repeats
More bubbles stick to the kernels, they float up again, then fall—
so they look like they’re dancing in the glass.
Watch it live…
Make sure to check out all our Elf on the Shelf ideas, too!
Dancing Popcorn Experiment
-
Fill a glass with the water. Add in the popcorn kernels.
-
Stir in the baking soda until dissolved completely.
-
When you want them to dance, slowly add the vinegar in. Stir with a spoon.
-
Enjoy the dancing popcorn show for about 4-5 minutes!
