Everyday chemistry — baking ingredients: If ordinary table salt is sodium chloride (NaCl), then what is “baking soda”? Context: Identify the correct common name ↔ chemical name mapping used in household cooking and baking. Choose the correct chemical compound.

Given data

• Table salt = sodium chloride (NaCl).
• Asked: the chemical identity of baking soda.

Concept / Approach
Baking soda is the common name for sodium bicarbonate (also called sodium hydrogen carbonate), formula NaHCO₃. On heating or in acidic batter, it releases CO₂ which leavens baked goods.

Elimination
Sodium carbonate (washing soda) Na₂CO₃ is a stronger base used for cleaning; CaCO₃ is chalk/limestone; KHCO₃ is potassium bicarbonate (not the household “baking soda”).

Final Answer
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃).