The reaction of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) and ascorbic acid (C₆H₈O₆) is a classic example of an acid-base reaction. It produces carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), sodium ascorbate (NaC₆H₇O₆), and sometimes a little bit of heat.

Here's the balanced chemical equation:

NaHCO₃(aq) + C₆H₈O₆(aq) → CO₂(g) + H₂O(l) + NaC₆H₇O₆(aq)

Explanation:

* NaHCO₃(aq): Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in aqueous solution.

* C₆H₈O₆(aq): Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in aqueous solution.

* CO₂(g): Carbon dioxide gas.

* H₂O(l): Liquid water.

* NaC₆H₇O₆(aq): Sodium ascorbate, a salt formed by the reaction.

The reaction occurs in two steps:

1. Proton transfer: Ascorbic acid (a weak acid) donates a proton (H⁺) to bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻), forming carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and ascorbate ion (C₆H₇O₆⁻).

2. Decomposition of carbonic acid: Carbonic acid is unstable and quickly decomposes into carbon dioxide and water.

This reaction is responsible for the fizzing you observe when you mix baking soda and vitamin C in water.