A student has an unknown powder and wants to determine what it is. Based on appearance, the student believes it is baking soda. When performing the vinegar test, what can the student expect to happen if it is baking soda?

Question

it will crystallize into a sugar-like substance

it will bubble and foam

it will turn into a solid glass-like substance

it will turn a blue-black color

Answer 1

When the student performs the vinegar test on baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), they can expect it to bubble and foam. This reaction occurs because baking soda is a base, and vinegar contains acetic acid. When mixed, they undergo a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, which creates bubbles and foam. Therefore, the correct answer is:

it will bubble and foam.