NaHCO3 + HC2H3O3 -> NaC2H3O2 + H2O+ CO2

A student mixes baking soda and acetic acid to produce a chemical reaction shown. which statement about the reaction is correct?

1 answer

The reaction you're referring to involves sodium bicarbonate (baking soda, NaHCO₃) reacting with acetic acid (HC₂H₃O₃, commonly found in vinegar) to produce sodium acetate (NaC₂H₃O₂), water (H₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Here are some correct statements about the reaction:

  1. It produces a gas: The formation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a characteristic feature of this reaction, which is often observed as bubbling or fizzing when baking soda is mixed with vinegar.

  2. It is an acid-base reaction: In this reaction, acetic acid acts as an acid, while sodium bicarbonate acts as a base. This generates a salt (sodium acetate), water, and gas.

  3. The reaction is exothermic: Although the temperature change may not be significant, the overall reaction releases energy in the form of heat.

  4. It results in a neutralization reaction: The acid and base neutralize each other, forming a salt and water.

If you need a specific statement to be considered correct, it would depend on the context of the choices provided. However, the highlighted aspects represent key features of the reaction.