Question

State the chemical property in the given case on which the following use of baking soda is based upon:

As a constituent in making baking powder.

Answer 1

Chemical Property: Thermal Decomposition

• Baking powder contains baking soda (NaHCO₃) and a mild acid (like tartaric acid).
• When heated or mixed with water, baking soda decomposes, releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas, which causes air bubbles to form in the dough, which expands during baking to give the baked dish its rise and fluffy, light texture.
• Reaction:
  \[\ce{2NaHCO3 ->[heat] Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2\uparrow}\]