a student has an unknown powder and wants to determine what it is based on appearance to student believes it’s baking soda and performing the vinegar test. What can the student expect to happen if it’s baking soda

Answer 1

If the unknown powder is baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), the student can expect a chemical reaction when vinegar (which is acetic acid) is added to it. This reaction will produce carbon dioxide gas, which can be observed as bubbling or fizzing.

Here’s what the student can expect to happen during the vinegar test:

1. Fizzling Reaction: The mixture will bubble and fizz due to the release of carbon dioxide gas.
2. Temperature Change: The reaction might feel slightly cooler to the touch, as it is an endothermic reaction.
3. Odor: There may be a faint smell of vinegar, but no strong or unusual odors should be present.

This reaction indicates that the powder is likely baking soda. If there is little to no bubbling, the unknown powder is probably not baking soda.