Which gas is released on heating sodium hydrogen carbonate and helps cakes rise?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Carbon dioxide
On heating, sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO₃, undergoes thermal decomposition: 2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂. The carbon dioxide produced forms bubbles in the batter, and these bubbles expand during heating, making the cake rise and become porous. Therefore option A is correct. Hydrogen is not produced in this decomposition, while chlorine and nitrogen are not products of sodium hydrogen carbonate heating.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Carbon dioxide
Why is this the correct answer?
On heating, sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO₃, undergoes thermal decomposition: 2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂. The carbon dioxide produced forms bubbles in the batter, and these bubbles expand during heating, making the cake rise and become porous. Therefore option A is correct. Hydrogen is not produced in this decomposition, while chlorine and nitrogen are not products of sodium hydrogen carbonate heating.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
