Question

The chemical formula of compounds sodium bisulfite and sodium bicarbonate are:
(a)$NaHS{O_3}{\text{ and NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3}$
(b)$NaH{(S{O_3})_2}{\text{ and NaH(C}}{{\text{O}}_3}{{\text{)}}_2}$
(c)$NaS{O_3}{\text{ and NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_2}$
(d)none of these

Answer 1

Hint: Sodium being a very reactive metal reacts easily when exposed to atmosphere and added to any reactant. The compounds of sodium are also stable.

Complete answer:
Sodium bicarbonate is \[{\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3}\] which is formed by Solvay’s process:
$N{H_3} + {H_2}O + C{O_2} \to N{H_4}HC{O_3} $
$N{H_4}HC{O_3} + NaCl \to N{H_4}Cl + NaHC{O_3}$
Sodium bicarbonate is also known as baking soda and used in making fluffy bakery items like cake.
It is also a powerful antacid which helps to get relief from stomach acid disorders.
Sodium bisulphite is formed by neutralization of sulphuric acid and sodium metal partially.
In industries it is formed when Sulphur dioxide is passed over aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide or bicarbonate.
Sodium bisulfite is used as a preservative for food items, used to treat wastewater, formation of wine and production of many useful compounds.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Note:
Even though both compounds have advantages they have disadvantages too. As sodium bisulphite causes skin irritation and extreme damage to eyes when exposed to it. Excessive use of Sodium bicarbonate causes swelling, high levels of sodium in blood which leads to lowering of calcium and potassium in blood level. Consumption of sodium bicarbonate for heart and liver disease patients is harmful and should be avoided.