In household and laboratory chemistry, what is the common English name of the compound sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)?

Introduction / Context:
Many inorganic compounds used in homes and industries have simple common names that differ from their chemical names. For examination questions, it is important to connect the chemical formula with the everyday name. Sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3, is one such compound that appears frequently in cooking, cleaning, and science experiments. This question asks for its common English name, which students often encounter in school chemistry and daily life.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The compound has the formula NaHCO3 and the chemical name sodium hydrogen carbonate or sodium bicarbonate.
• It is a mild alkali used in baking, cleaning, and as an antacid.
• Related products include washing soda (Na2CO3), plaster of Paris (CaSO4·0.5H2O), bleaching powder, and baking powder.
• The focus is on the standard common name recognised in everyday use.

Concept / Approach:
Sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3, is commonly known as baking soda. It is used in baking as a leavening agent because it decomposes to release carbon dioxide gas when heated or when it reacts with acids. Washing soda is sodium carbonate, Na2CO3, which is a stronger alkali used mainly for cleaning and softening water. Plaster of Paris and bleaching powder are different calcium compounds. Baking powder is a mixture that contains baking soda plus an acid salt and a filler. Therefore, baking soda is the correct common name for sodium bicarbonate.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the given compound as NaHCO3, sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate. Step 2: Recall that this compound is used in cooking to make cakes and breads rise due to gas release. Step 3: Remember the common name baking soda for the white crystalline powder that performs this function. Step 4: Distinguish baking soda from washing soda, which is Na2CO3 and used for laundry and cleaning. Step 5: Confirm that none of the other given common names correspond to NaHCO3.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you check food ingredient labels for baking soda, they usually list sodium bicarbonate as the only chemical. Baking powder labels typically mention sodium bicarbonate along with acid salts such as cream of tartar and a starch filler, confirming that baking powder is a mixture, not a single compound. Laundry products marketed as washing soda are sodium carbonate, not sodium bicarbonate. These comparisons reinforce that NaHCO3 corresponds specifically to baking soda.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Washing soda refers to sodium carbonate, Na2CO3, which has a different formula and is a stronger base. Plaster of Paris is calcium sulphate hemihydrate, used in casts and moulds, not for baking. Bleaching powder is mainly calcium oxychloride, used as a disinfectant and bleach, not as a mild baking alkali. Baking powder is a mixture that contains sodium bicarbonate but is not the same as pure NaHCO3. Thus, none of these options correctly name sodium bicarbonate.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often mix up baking soda and baking powder because both are used in cooking and have similar sounding names. Another confusion occurs between washing soda and baking soda, both being sodium carbonates with different degrees of hydration and acidity. To avoid errors, remember that baking soda is NaHCO3, washing soda is Na2CO3, and baking powder is a ready made mixture that includes baking soda plus an acid and filler.

Final Answer:
The common name of sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3, is baking soda.