Question

During an experiment, vinegar was added to baking soda in a container. the container's temperature dropped, and gas bubbles were released during the mix. identify if this mixture of baking soda and vinegar was a physical or chemical change.

Answer 1

The mixture of baking soda and vinegar undergoing a temperature drop and releasing gas bubbles represents a chemical change.

Step-by-step explanation:

When vinegar (acetic acid) reacts with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), a chemical reaction occurs. This reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and a compound called sodium acetate.

The temperature drop observed is indicative of an endothermic reaction, where heat is absorbed from the surroundings during the chemical process.

In the chemical equation for this reaction:

`\[NaHCO_3 + CH_3COOH \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O + CH_3COONa\]`

The reactants (baking soda and vinegar) are transformed into new substances (carbon dioxide, water, and sodium acetate). The release of gas bubbles is a clear indication of a chemical change.

This is because a physical change, such as a change in state or appearance, would not alter the composition of the substances involved.

The decrease in temperature is another key indicator of a chemical reaction. In this case, the absorption of heat during the reaction results in the observed cooling effect.

This combination of factors—gas evolution, formation of new substances, and temperature change—supports the conclusion that the mixing of baking soda and vinegar is a chemical change rather than a physical one.