Question

Why solid baking soda dont react the same with litmus paper as it reacts with the solution of baking soda

Answer 1

Dear Student, Baking soda is a compound, consisting of sodium, hydrogen, carbon and oxygen, in the form NaHCO3. In solid form, it is bound together in molecules and does not reacts with litmus. Only on addition of water, the ions Na+ and (HCO3)- are formed which react with H+ and OH- forming NaOH, H2O and CO2. The base (NaOH) formed reacts with litmus. So, addition of water is required to get the color change on limits paper. Regards