To provide an accurate response, I would need more context about the specific experiment you are referring to. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can serve various functions in different types of experiments:
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Buffering Agent: In biological or chemical experiments, sodium bicarbonate can act as a pH buffer, helping to maintain a stable pH range.
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Acid-Base Reactions: If the experiment involves an acid, sodium bicarbonate can act as a neutralizing agent to moderate the acidity by reacting with the acid to produce carbon dioxide, water, and a salt.
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Carbon Dioxide Source: In some experiments, especially those involving fermentation or respiration (e.g., yeast experiments), sodium bicarbonate can provide a source of carbon dioxide.
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Leavening Agent: In baking-related experiments, it serves as a leavening agent, reacting with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas, which helps dough rise.
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Cleaning Agent: In some contexts, it can be used to clean or neutralize surfaces, depending on the experiment's setup.
If you provide more details about the experiment you're asking about, I can give a more precise answer regarding the function of sodium bicarbonate in that context.