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Question

Baking soda is ________.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2022 Tier-II (Paper 2 JSO) Previous Year Paper (04-Mar-2023)
The correct answer is

sodium hydrogen carbonate

Understanding Baking Soda: Chemical Composition

The question asks to identify the chemical name of baking soda. Baking soda is a common household item used in baking, cleaning, and other applications. Its chemical composition gives it its unique properties.

Identifying Baking Soda's Chemical Name

Baking soda is the common name for a specific chemical compound. Let's look at the options provided:

  1. sodium carbonate
  2. sodium sulphate
  3. sodium hydrogen carbonate
  4. sodium hydroxide

We need to determine which of these chemical names corresponds to baking soda.

Analyzing the Options for Baking Soda

  • sodium carbonate: This compound has the chemical formula $\text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3$. It is commonly known as washing soda or soda ash and is used in glass manufacturing, detergents, and water softening. It is not baking soda.
  • sodium sulphate: This compound has the chemical formula $\text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4$. It is a salt used in the production of detergents, paper, and textiles. It is not baking soda.
  • sodium hydrogen carbonate: This compound has the chemical formula $\text{NaHCO}_3$. This is the chemical compound that is commonly known as baking soda. It is a white crystalline powder that is slightly alkaline.
  • sodium hydroxide: This compound has the chemical formula $\text{NaOH}$. It is a strong base commonly known as lye or caustic soda, used in soap making, drain cleaners, and chemical manufacturing. It is highly corrosive and is not baking soda.

Based on the chemical formulas and common names, sodium hydrogen carbonate is the correct chemical name for baking soda.

Common Chemicals and Their Names
Common Name Chemical Name Chemical Formula Uses
Baking Soda Sodium hydrogen carbonate $\text{NaHCO}_3$ Baking, cleaning, antacid
Washing Soda / Soda Ash Sodium carbonate $\text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3$ Detergents, glass making, water softening
Lye / Caustic Soda Sodium hydroxide $\text{NaOH}$ Soap making, drain cleaner, chemical manufacturing
Glauber's Salt Sodium sulphate (decahydrate) $\text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4 \cdot 10\text{H}_2\text{O}$ Detergents, paper production

Therefore, baking soda is sodium hydrogen carbonate.

Revision Table: Key Chemical Compounds

Chemical Names and Formulas
Compound Name Formula
Sodium carbonate $\text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3$
Sodium sulphate $\text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4$
Sodium hydrogen carbonate $\text{NaHCO}_3$
Sodium hydroxide $\text{NaOH}$

Additional Information on Baking Soda Properties

Baking soda, sodium hydrogen carbonate ($\text{NaHCO}_3$), is a weak base. When it reacts with an acid (like vinegar, lemon juice, or acidic ingredients in baking), it produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas causes dough or batter to rise, which is why it's widely used in baking. It also acts as a leavening agent. Its mild alkalinity also makes it useful for neutralizing odors and cleaning.

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