Question

Write the chemical formula of baking soda

Answer 1

Hint:Baking soda is used in baking cakes, in doughs. When it is kept for some time the baking soda and the acid reacts which gives out carbon dioxide. We know that the batter for cakes or bread expands when kept for some time. It is due to the carbon dioxide released. So we can say that Baking soda has carbon and oxygen in it. As the name suggests, soda is sodium carbonate. So, baking soda has a Sodium group too.

Complete step by step answer:
From the above observations, the following elements are present in Baking Soda: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Sodium.
The method of preparation of Baking soda is:-
By treating sodium carbonate (soda ash or washing powder) with water and carbon dioxide,
${\text{N}}{{\text{a}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}{\text{ + }}{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{O + C}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}} \to {\text{2NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}$
Another method is by just reacting Carbon dioxide and sodium hydroxide
${\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{ + NaOH}} \to {\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}$

Therefore, we can say that the chemical formula of baking soda is ${\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}$.

Note: The Baking soda and baking powder are different. When baking soda is mixed with some dilute acid, it is called baking powder. There are many applications of baking soda. It is an ingredient in all toothpaste because since it is an alkali, it helps to neutralize the enamel eroding acids. It is also used as a chemical leavener as it reacts with an acid to release carbon dioxide, which is why the batter for cake, dough, etc expands and leads to fluffy perfection. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate which requires a liquid to become active whereas baking powder does require acid and a liquid to be active.