Question

How can washing soda be obtained from baking soda? Discuss uses of washing soda.

Answer 1

<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> ${\text{NaHCO}}_3$ is sodium bicarbonate which is known as baking soda. On heating, it gives out sodium carbonate (${\text{Na}}_2{\text{CO}}_3$), carbon dioxide (${\text{CO}}_2$) and water (${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$). (${\text{Na}}_2{\text{CO}}_3$) is the chemical formula of washing soda. The reaction involved is:

${\text{NaHCO}}_3$(s)→ ${\text{Na}}_2{\text{CO}}_3$(s) + ${\text{CO}}_2$(g) + ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$(g)

Sodium carbonate is a water soluble salt. Following are its usage:
- Manufacturing of glass, soap, paper and sodium hydroxide
- Used for softening hard water
- Used in washing clothes
- Used in refining of petrol