Final answer:
Washing soda and soda ash are both sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), used in household cleaning and industrial processes. Caustic soda is sodium hydroxide (NaOH), used in various industrial applications. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), used in baking to cause dough to rise by producing CO2 when reacting with acids.
Step-by-step explanation:
Each of these substances has distinct chemical properties and uses:
- Washing soda - Also known as sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), washing soda is used to soften water and as a household cleaner.
- Soda ash - Soda ash is another common name for sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), mostly used in the manufacture of glass, paper, rayon, soaps, and detergents.
- Caustic soda - This is sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a strong base used in various industrial processes, such as papermaking and the manufacture of soaps and detergents.
- Baking soda - Also known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), it is used in baking as a leavening agent. When mixed with an acid, it releases carbon dioxide gas, causing dough to rise.
Chemistry involved in baking utilizes baking soda, such as the reaction with sodium aluminum sulfate in baking powder to produce carbon dioxide (CO2). Moreover, when baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate) reacts with an acid, it forms a salt, carbon dioxide, and water.
The chemical properties of these substances vary. Washing soda, for example, can interact with other ions in water to improve the efficiency of detergents. The acid-base reaction involving baking soda can be represented by the formula NaHCO3 + H+ → Na+ + CO2 + H2O, illustrating its role in generating carbon dioxide when reacting with acidic components.