When baking soda is mixed with vinegar, a chemical reaction occurs that produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and a salt called sodium acetate. The reaction occurs because baking soda is a base, while vinegar is an acid. When they are mixed, the hydrogen ions in the vinegar react with the sodium and bicarbonate ions in the baking soda, producing carbonic acid and sodium acetate. The carbonic acid then decomposes into water and carbon dioxide gas, which creates the bubbles and foam that are seen when baking soda and vinegar are mixed.

It is important to note that mixing baking soda and vinegar for cleaning purposes is not recommended, as the two substances essentially cancel each other out when they are mixed. However, the reaction between baking soda and vinegar can be used for educational purposes, such as in science experiments that demonstrate chemical reactions and the properties of matter.