Question

Suppose a household product label says it contains sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate, nahco3). how would you test this material for the presence of sodium bicarbonate?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Simply by using heat, we can test for sodium bicarbonate.

Sodium bicarbonate is commonly known as baking powder. Its formula is NaHCO₃. It is a very important chemical in everyday life.

This compound is easily decomposed when heated. It releases carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide release can easily be detected by the use of lime water. Carbon dioxide in turn makes lime water milky. This is a very important test for baking powder.

Answer 2

We test the materiel by adding small amount of it into a vinegar solution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Acids when reacts with sodium bicarbonate to give salt aqueous solution of salt , water and effervescence of the gas.

So, if we want to check whether our household product has sodium bicarbonate we will add small amount of house hold product to a small amount(3 -4 mL) of vinegar solution(10% acetic acid).

• If effervescence is observed then it confirms the presence of sodium bicarbonate.
• If no effervescence is observed then it confirms the absence of sodium bicarbonate.

The reaction between vinegar and sodium bicarbonate is given as:

`CH_3COOH(aq)+NaHCO_3(s)\rightarrow CH_3COONa(aq)+H_2O(l)+CO_2`