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View Full Version : Identifying baking soda and washing soda


sumdumbum987
Dec 11, 2006, 06:05 PM
Using a monoprotic acid, how would you find out which sample is baking soda and which sample is washing soda if you have unknown samples of each? I think it has something to do with how much CO2 each produces when reacted with the acid, but I don't know which produces more CO2 and which produces less. Could you also show me the reaction of each with the acid HA?

Edit: I need help on the chemical equation

Thank You

Capuchin
Dec 12, 2006, 12:36 AM
Washing Soda = Na2CO3
Baking soda = NaHCO3

Write equations and balance them and see what you get :)

pwd77
Dec 12, 2006, 09:42 PM
NaHCO3 + HA -> NaA + H2O + CO2 1 mole acid -> 1 mole CO2
(Na)2CO3 + 2HA -> 2NaA + H2O + CO2 1 mole acid -> 1/2 mole CO2

For the same weight of each, an aliquot of acid will yield half as much CO2 with washing as with baking soda