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.
General Knowledge
Biology
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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ASodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate), NaHCO₃
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BSodium carbonate (washing soda), Na₂CO₃
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CCalcium carbonate (limestone/chalk), CaCO₃
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DPotassium bicarbonate, KHCO₃
Answer
Correct Answer: Sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate), NaHCO₃
Explanation
Given data
- Table salt = sodium chloride (NaCl).
- Asked: the chemical identity of baking soda.
Concept / ApproachBaking 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.
EliminationSodium 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 AnswerSodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3).