With reference to 'Baking Soda', which of the following statements is/are correct?

Question

With reference to 'Baking Soda', which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is Sodium hydrogen carbonate.

2. It is used in fire extinguishers.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

1. A. Only 2
2. B. Neither 1 nor 2
3. C. Both 1 and 2 (Correct answer)
4. D. Only 1

Correct Answer

Option C — Both 1 and 2

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

Key Points

• Statement 1 is correct. Baking soda is sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO₃ — also called sodium bicarbonate.
• Statement 2 is correct. It is used in soda-acid fire extinguishers. On reacting with acid it releases carbon dioxide, which is heavier than air and smothers the fire by cutting off oxygen.
• Both hold, giving option (c).

Additional Information

• Baking soda is made by the Solvay process: NaCl + H₂O + CO₂ + NH₃ → NH₄Cl + NaHCO₃.
• On heating it decomposes: 2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂. The carbon dioxide released is what makes cakes and bread rise.
• Baking powder = baking soda + a mild edible acid (usually tartaric acid). The acid neutralises the sodium carbonate formed on heating, which would otherwise leave a bitter taste.
• Baking soda is also a mild antacid, neutralising excess stomach acid.
• Do not confuse it with washing soda, Na₂CO₃·10H₂O, which is used to soften hard water and in glass and soap manufacture.