The solid formed on heating baking soda gives a basic aqueous solution. Which solid is it?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Sodium carbonate
Baking soda is sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO₃. On heating, it undergoes thermal decomposition: 2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O. The solid product is sodium carbonate, and its aqueous solution is basic because carbonate ions react with water to produce hydroxide ions. Hence option B is correct. Sodium chloride and calcium sulphate are not the products of this decomposition, while calcium carbonate has the wrong composition.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Sodium carbonate
Why is this the correct answer?
Baking soda is sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO₃. On heating, it undergoes thermal decomposition: 2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O. The solid product is sodium carbonate, and its aqueous solution is basic because carbonate ions react with water to produce hydroxide ions. Hence option B is correct. Sodium chloride and calcium sulphate are not the products of this decomposition, while calcium carbonate has the wrong composition.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.
