Final answer:
When mixing baking soda with concentrated sulfuric acid, a vigorous reaction occurs producing sodium sulfate, water, and carbon dioxide gas. The balanced equation is NaHCO₃ + H₂SO₄ → Na₂SO₄ + CO₂ + H₂O. It is a Brønsted-Lowry acid-base reaction signified by the formation of gas and change in pH.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mixing baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with concentrated sulfuric acid would result in a vigorous chemical reaction. When these two substances are mixed, a reaction occurs producing carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium sulfate. Compared to mixing with vinegar, which is a weak acid, sulfuric acid is a strong diprotic acid and would react more vigorously, releasing more heat and resulting in a rapid decrease in pH due to the stronger acidity. This could potentially be dangerous and should be conducted with proper safety measures in place.
The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is as follows:
NaHCO₃ + H₂SO₄ → Na₂SO₄ + CO₂ + H₂O
This equation indicates that sodium bicarbonate reacts with sulfuric acid to produce sodium sulfate, carbon dioxide, and water. In terms of the Brønsted-Lowry acid-base theory, the sulfuric acid acts as a Brønsted-Lowry acid because it donates protons (H+) to the sodium bicarbonate, which acts as a Brønsted-Lowry base by accepting the protons.
Regarding the reaction mechanism, the reaction between NaHCO₃ and H₂SO₄ can be considered an acid-base reaction. The generation of carbon dioxide is a telltale sign of an acid-base reaction where a carbonate or bicarbonate is one of the reactants. Through observations, one could identify this reaction as gas forming. The driving force of this reaction is the formation of the gaseous CO₂ which escapes from the solution.