Question

$NaHC{O}_3$ can be used on its own to make cakes or bread. Baking powder is more commonly used, and contains $NaHC{O}_3$, $Ca(H_{2}P{O}_4{)}_2$ and starch. An improved combination baking powder contains about 40% starch, 30% $NaHC{O}_3$ 20% $NaAl(S{O}_4{)}_2$ and 10% $Ca(H_{2}P{O}_4{)}_2.$

Answer the following questions based on above study.

Rise in bread and cakes is due to______ when it decomposes between ${50}^{o}C$ and ${100}^{o}C$.

• A. $C{O}_2$
• B. $H_{2}O$
• C. both (a) and (b)
• D. none of these

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$C{O}_2$

This happens due to reaction: $NaHC{O}_3+H^{+}\to N{a}^{+}+C{O}_2+H_{2}O$

The carbon dioxide produced in these reactions causes the dough to rise (ferment or prove), and the alcohol produced mostly evaporates from the dough during the baking process.