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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the action of acid with bicarbonate of soda as an irreversible change, where a new material is formed.

      Key learning points

      1. Vinegar is an example of an acid that we find in our homes.
      2. Bicarbonate of soda is a white powder used in baking to make bread, batter and cakes rise when baked.
      3. When vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are mixed, this produces a new material in the form of carbon dioxide gas.
      4. The action of acid with bicarbonate of soda is an irreversible change.
      5. During an irreversible change, the material that has been changed cannot return to its original state.

      Keywords

      • Bicarbonate of soda - Bicarbonate of soda is a white powder, used in baking.

      • Acids - Foods that contain acids have a sour taste.

      • Observe - To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.

      • Carbon dioxide - Carbon dioxide is a type of gas that is in the air around us.

      • Irreversible change - If a change is irreversible, it cannot be undone or changed back to its original state.

      Common misconception

      All bubbles produced contain air and that it is a reversible change.

      Teaching slides explain that the bubbles produced when acids react with bicarbonate of soda contain carbon dioxide and that this change is irreversible as a new material is produced.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage children to make links between the science and their own lives by discussing the formation of bubbles when fizzy drinks are opened.

      Equipment

      Vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, teaspoons, beakers, trays or bowls, disposable gloves and glasses.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A change is where a material that has changed can return to its original state.

      Correct Answer: reversible, reversible change, Reversible

      Q2.
      What type of change is it when sugar dissolves in water?

      Correct answer: reversible
      irreversible
      change of state

      Q3.
      Which of these metals rust?

      aluminium
      Correct answer: steel
      Correct answer: iron
      silver

      Q4.
      Match the type of change to the example.

      Correct Answer:irreversible,steel rusting

      steel rusting

      Correct Answer:reversible,water freezing

      water freezing

      Q5.
      Which gas is needed for rust to form?

      nitrogen
      carbon dioxide
      Correct answer: oxygen

      Q6.
      Which greenhouse gas is produced by burning fossil fuels?

      oxygen
      nitrogen
      Correct answer: carbon dioxide
      helium

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Vinegar is an example of a mild .

      Correct Answer: acid

      Q2.
      Which of these are acids?

      Correct answer: orange
      Correct answer: lemon
      bicarbonate of soda
      Correct answer: honey

      Q3.
      During an irreversible change, the material that has been changed …

      Correct answer: cannot return to its original state.
      can return to its original state.

      Q4.
      What is produced when bicarbonate of soda is mixed with acid?

      Correct answer: carbon dioxide gas
      nitrogen gas
      oxygen gas

      Q5.
      Why is bicarbonate of soda mixed with acids in recipes?

      Because the oxygen produced makes batters rise.
      Because the carbon dioxide produced makes food sweeter.
      Correct answer: Because the carbon dioxide produced makes bread, batter and cakes rise.
      Because the oxygen produced makes food a more appealing colour.

      Q6.
      Match the type of change to the example.

      Correct Answer:reversible change,salt dissolving in water

      salt dissolving in water

      Correct Answer:irreversible change,acid reacting with bicarbonate of soda

      acid reacting with bicarbonate of soda


      To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: More irreversible changes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...