What is the main difference between baking soda and baking powder?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Baking powder contains baking soda and a mild edible acid
Baking soda is chiefly sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO₃, whereas baking powder is a mixture containing baking soda and a mild edible acid, commonly such as tartaric acid, along with a suitable drying agent. When moistened and heated, the acid reacts with the bicarbonate and produces carbon dioxide. Therefore, option B is correct. Baking soda alone does not contain the added edible acid, and baking powder is neither common salt nor chemically identical to baking soda.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Baking powder contains baking soda and a mild edible acid
Why is this the correct answer?
Baking soda is chiefly sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO₃, whereas baking powder is a mixture containing baking soda and a mild edible acid, commonly such as tartaric acid, along with a suitable drying agent. When moistened and heated, the acid reacts with the bicarbonate and produces carbon dioxide. Therefore, option B is correct. Baking soda alone does not contain the added edible acid, and baking powder is neither common salt nor chemically identical to baking soda.
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.