Question

What is the chemical formula of baking soda?

• A. ${\mathrm{CaCO}}_3$
• B. ${\mathrm{MgSO}}_4$
• C. ${\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3$
• D. $\mathrm{NaCl}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C

${\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3$

The explanation for the correct options

C. ${\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3$ (Baking Soda)

• The chemical compound Sodium bicarbonate often known as Baking soda or Bicarbonate of soda.
• Baking Soda has the formula of ${\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3$.
• Its IUPAC name is Sodium Hydrogencarbonate .
• A sodium cation $\left({\mathrm{Na}}^{+}\right)$ and a Bicarbonate anion $\left({{\mathrm{HCO}}_3}^{-}\right)$ make up this salt.
• Sodium bicarbonate is a crystalline white substance that frequently appears as a fine powder.
• It tastes slightly salty and alkaline, similar to washing soda (sodium carbonate).

The explanation for the incorrect options

A. ${\mathrm{CaCO}}_3$ (Lime stone)

• The chemical compound Calcium Carbonate is also known as Lime stone.
• It is formed by action of Carbon dioxide $\left[{\mathrm{CO}}_2\right]$ on Calcium hydroxide $\left[\mathrm{Ca}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2\right]$

$\underset{\mathrm{Calcium}\mathrm{hydroxide}}{\mathrm{Ca}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Carbon}\mathrm{dioxide}}{{\mathrm{CO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Calcium}\mathrm{Carbonate}}{{\mathrm{CaCO}}_3\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Water}}{{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)}$

B. ${\mathrm{MgSO}}_4$

• The IUPAC name of this compound is Magnesium Sulphate.

D. $\mathrm{NaCl}$

• The IUPAC name of this compound is Sodium Chloride.

Hence option (C) is correct, chemical formula of baking soda is ${\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3$.