Question

Which of the following is the correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction of acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate?

(A) CH_3COOH + NaHCO_3 → CH_3COONa + H_2O + CO_2
(B) 2CH_3COOH + NaHCO_3 → 2CH_3COONa + H_2O + CO_2
(C) CH_3COOH + 2NaHCO_3 → 2CH_3COONa + 2H_2O + CO_2
(D) 3CH_3COOH + NaHCO_3 → 3CH_3COONa + 3H_2O + CO_2

Answer 1

The correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction between acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate is (A) CH3COOH + NaHCO3 → CH3COONa + H2O + CO2, demonstrating a one to one ratio between reactants and products.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction of acetic acid (CH3COOH) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is (A) CH3COOH + NaHCO3 → CH3COONa + H2O + CO2.

This reaction is a classic example of an acid-base reaction where acetic acid, a weak acid, reacts with sodium bicarbonate, a mild base. In the process, products formed are sodium acetate (CH3COONa), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). The balanced equation shows that one mole of acetic acid reacts with one mole of sodium bicarbonate to form one mole each of sodium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide respectively.