Question

Baking soda is: (a) \(\mathrm{NaHCO}_{3}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{NaHCO}_{3} \cdot 6 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3} \cdot 10 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)

Short answer

Baking soda is \(\mathrm{NaHCO}_{3}\).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question asks for the chemical formula of baking soda. We need to identify which of the provided options represents baking soda.

Review Chemical Formulas

Let's review the chemical names for the given formulas:- (a) \(\mathrm{NaHCO}_{3}\): Sodium bicarbonate- (b) \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}\): Sodium carbonate- (c) \(\mathrm{NaHCO}_{3} \cdot 6 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\): Sodium bicarbonate hexahydrate- (d) \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3} \cdot 10 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\): Sodium carbonate decahydrate

Identify Baking Soda

Baking soda is commonly known as sodium bicarbonate. Among the given options, the chemical formula for sodium bicarbonate is \(\mathrm{NaHCO}_{3}\).

Key concepts

Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate, often referred to as baking soda, is a chemical compound with the formula \(NaHCO_3\), which reveals much about its structure and properties. It contains sodium (Na), hydrogen (H), carbon (C), and three oxygen (O) atoms. This compound is well known for its versatility. It has a wide range of applications including baking, cleaning, and even as a mild antiseptic.
One of the most popular uses of sodium bicarbonate is in baking. It acts as a leavening agent which means it helps dough rise by producing carbon dioxide gas when it reacts with an acid. That's why it's crucial for recipes that require a fluffy and light texture, such as cakes and muffins.
Besides culinary uses, sodium bicarbonate is important in various household and industrial contexts. It's used to neutralize acids and bases, making it an effective cleaner for surfaces. It also helps to deodorize spaces, absorb moisture, and even put out small fires.

Chemical Formulas

Chemical formulas are essential in chemistry as they provide a concise way to represent chemical substances. They represent the types and numbers of atoms in the smallest unit of a substance. With baking soda, the formula \( \mathrm{NaHCO}_3 \) indicates one sodium atom, one hydrogen atom, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms.
Understanding chemical formulas is crucial for grasping chemical reactions and properties. Each element's symbol and subscript number in a formula tells you the ratio of atoms in the compound. For example, in \( \mathrm{Na}_2 \mathrm{CO}_3\), which is sodium carbonate, the formula reveals two sodium atoms are bonded to one carbon atom and three oxygen atoms.
Additionally, chemical formulas reveal how molecules interact. For example, changing a single subscript number alters the compound entirely. Therefore, understanding how to read and interpret these formulas is a key skill in chemistry.

NEET Chemistry

The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a highly competitive medical entrance exam in India, and chemistry is an integral subject in the test. The chemistry portion of NEET often requires a solid understanding of topics like chemical formulas, periodic table elements, and organic chemistry.
Understanding compounds like sodium bicarbonate from both a molecular and practical perspective can be extremely beneficial. Knowing how different substances react and why certain compounds behave the way they do can help students solve complex problems posed in NEET exams.
Moreover, practicing with real-world chemical problems, like identifying compounds from their formulas, prepares students for the kind of thinking required in NEET. Grasping these concepts not only empowers students academically but also gives them a competitive edge in clearing the exam.