Question

Sodium hydrogencarbonate is ______ soda whereas sodium carbonate is ______ soda.

Answer 1

Sodium hydrogencarbonate is baking soda whereas sodium carbonate is washing soda.

Explanation:

Sodium hydrogencarbonate (NaHCO₃) is baking soda, a mild base used to make cakes fluffy by releasing carbon dioxide when heated. Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) is washing soda (or soda ash), a strong alkali widely used in cleaning and water softening. While both are sodium salts, baking soda is safe for cooking, whereas washing soda is strictly an industrial and household cleaner.