Question

Since all acid-base reactions result in the formation of water and a salt, explain the eventual formation of water in the reaction of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and baking soda.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO3) can be represented by the following equation:

HCl + NaHCO3 → NaCl + H2CO3

In this equation, hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with baking soda (NaHCO3) to produce sodium chloride (NaCl) and carbonic acid (H2CO3). However, carbonic acid (H2CO3) is unstable and breaks down into water and carbon dioxide (CO2) as follows:

H2CO3 → H2O + CO2

Therefore, the eventual formation of water in the reaction between hydrochloric acid and baking soda is due to the breakdown of carbonic acid into water and carbon dioxide. Thus, the overall reaction between hydrochloric acid and baking soda can be represented as follows:

HCl + NaHCO3 → NaCl + H2O + CO2 + heat

So, the water is formed as a result of the decomposition of carbonic acid that is produced during the reaction between hydrochloric acid and baking soda.