Question

State the chemical properties on which the following uses of baking soda are based:

as an antacid

as a soda fire extinguisher

to make cake soft and spongy

Answer 1

Baking soda is a chemical compound which is also called as - Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃).

1. Antacid - NaHCO₃ acts like an absorbable antacid. Baking soda imitates the action of natural sodium bicarbonate in the body and neutralizes the stomach acid relieving acid reflux.

2. Soda-acid fire extinguisher - A soda-acid fire extinguisher is usually a mixture of baking soda and an acid which is commonly sulfuric acid. It is used as a pressurized expeller to put off the fire. When it is expelled, a reaction in between the contents of the soda-acid occurs which releases carbon dioxide that extinguishes the fire.

3. Baking - When baking soda is mixed with moisture and with an acidic substance like yogurt, buttermilk etc, a chemical reaction occurs which produces carbon dioxide gas as bubbles. These bubbles expand under hot temperatures like in the oven while it is baking. This causes the baked bread or cake to become soft and spongy.