Question

Identify X in the following reaction:

$\text{HCl (aq)}+\text{X}\to \text{NaCl}\text{(s)}+{\text{H}}_2\text{O}$ + ${\text{CO}}_2$

• A. ${\text{Na}}_2{\text{CO}}_3$
• B. $\text{NaOH}$
• C. ${\text{NaHCO}}_3$
• D. ${\text{Na}}_2\text{O}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C ${\text{NaHCO}}_3$

The given reaction is an acid neutralisation, where hydrogen chloride is reacted with sodium bicarbonate to form salt, water and carbon dioxide.

Sodium bicarbonate (alkaline) is a component of antacids, which can neutralise the acid level of the stomach when a person experiences indigestion. The reaction will occur as follows:

$\text{HCl (aq)}+{\text{NaHCO}}_3\text{(aq)}\to \text{NaCl}\text{(s)}+{\text{H}}_2\text{O}$ + ${\text{CO}}_2$

Therefore, X is sodium bicarbonate (${\text{NaHCO}}_3$).