A student mixes baking soda (NaHCO3) and acetic acid (HC2H3O2) to produce a chemical reaction shown. Which statement about the reaction is correct?

1 answer

When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3) reacts with acetic acid (HC2H3O2), the primary reaction can be summarized as follows:

\[ \text{NaHCO}_3 + \text{HC}_2\text{H}_3\text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COONa} + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2 \uparrow \]

This reaction produces sodium acetate (CH3COONa), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2), which is released as a gas, often causing fizzing or bubbling.

Here are several correct statements about the reaction:

  1. Gas Evolution: The reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which is evident by the fizzing or bubbling observed.

  2. Neutralization Reaction: This reaction can be viewed as a neutralization reaction where an acid (acetic acid) reacts with a bicarbonate (baking soda) to form a salt (sodium acetate) and water.

  3. Endothermic Process: The reaction can also be slightly endothermic, as it absorbs heat from the surroundings, which may feel cooler to the touch.

  4. Applications: This type of reaction is commonly used in baking and cooking for leavening, as the release of CO2 helps dough to rise.

Given the described reactions and outcomes, any statement highlighting the production of carbon dioxide gas, as a result of the reaction between baking soda and acetic acid, would be correct.