Question

State the reason why baking soda is used following cases:

1. as an antacid.
2. as a constituent of baking powder.

Answer 1

1. It is weakly alkaline in nature and neutralizes acid (HCl) formed in the stomach. The reaction involved is

${\text{NaHCO}}_3+\text{HCl}\to \text{NaCl}+{\text{H}}_2\text{O}+{\text{CO}}_2$

2. Baking soda is a leavening agents, which are substances used to help baked goods rise. Baking soda becomes activated when it’s combined with both an acidic ingredient and a liquid. Upon activation, carbon dioxide is produced, which allows baked goods to rise and become light and fluffy. The reaction involved is

${\text{2NaHCO}}_3\to {\text{Na}}_2{\text{CO}}_3+{\text{H}}_2\text{O}+{\text{CO}}_2$