Question

What is the action of heat on washing soda? Give equation.

Short answer

Answer: When washing soda (Na2CO3•10H2O) is heated, it undergoes thermal decomposition, resulting in the formation of anhydrous sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). The balanced chemical equation for this process is: Na2CO3•10H2O (s) -> Na2CO3 (s) + 10H2O (l) + CO2 (g).

Step-by-step solution

Write the balanced chemical equation with the decomposition of washing soda

When washing soda undergoes thermal decomposition, it breaks down into sodium carbonate, water, and carbon dioxide. Write the balanced chemical equation for this process: Na2CO3•10H2O (s) -> Na2CO3 (s) + 10H2O (l) + CO2 (g)

Provide a description of the process

When washing soda (Na2CO3•10H2O) is heated, it undergoes a decomposition process. During this process, the washing soda loses 10 molecules of water (H2O) and one molecule of carbon dioxide (CO2), resulting in anhydrous sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), which is a solid. The water is released as a liquid, and the carbon dioxide is released as a gas.