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The chemical name of baking soda is
Explanation
Baking soda is the common name for the chemical compound sodium hydrogencarbonate, which is represented by the chemical formula NaHCO3 [1]. It is a weak base containing sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen [1]. Industrially, it is often prepared using the Solvay process, where carbon dioxide and ammonia react with a saturated sodium chloride solution. Baking soda is widely used in the food industry as a leavening agent in baking powder, where it reacts with mild edible acids to release carbon dioxide gas, causing dough to rise [1]. It is also utilized as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid and in soda-acid fire extinguishers [1]. In contrast, Na2CO3 is sodium carbonate (washing soda), CaCO3 is calcium carbonate (limestone), and NaOH is sodium hydroxide (caustic soda).
Sources
- [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts > Uses of Baking soda > p. 31