Distinguish between sodium
carbonate and bicarbonate
Answers
Sodium Carbonate vs. Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate are two types of sodium compounds and salts. They share the principal element of sodium.
Both compounds are white and solid in appearance and often come in powdered form. They are both classified as a base and are highly reactive to the presence of sodium. These two compounds are also bonded by ionic bonds and occur naturally as compounds. They are widely known and commonly used in everyday work and in various industries.
Sodium carbonate has the chemical formula Na2Co3. A combination of sodium and acid, sodium carbonate is commonly known as ash soda and washing soda. When dissolved, the compound is released as a positive ion and a negative ion.
Meanwhile, sodium bicarbonate is sodium hydrogen carbonate, bearing the chemical formula NaHCO3. It is made up of sodium, hydrogen, and acids. Sodium bicarbonate is more popularly called baking soda.
Sodium carbonate has a caustic nature, while sodium bicarbonate displays less of sodium carbonate’s characteristics. Of the two base compounds, sodium carbonate is the stronger base.. It is also diprotic, a term given to something that reacts with two equivalents of acids. After reacting to one equivalent of acid, it then converts to sodium bicarbonate, a monoproticIn terms of importance in the human body, sodium carbonate does not pose any effect, positive or otherwise. Meanwhile, sodium bicarbonate occurs naturally and is used to neutralize acidity in the blood.
Both compounds are very useful in everyday life. Sodium carbonate is utilized in manufacturing glass and soap. It is also used to neutralize chlorine in swimming pools and as a water softener. Sodium bicarbonate, on the other hand, is present in many chemical processes and is often used as a conductor. In food, it is used as a lying agent to change the pH (specifically the acidity) of a certain food.
Sodium bicarbonate is also an industrial staple used as a cleansing and exfoliating agent. In common households, it is utilized to neutralize odors and as an alternative fire extinguisher. Sodium bicarbonate is also useful in the field of cooking and baking as a leavening agent.
Sodium carbonate is NaCo3 (known as washing soda)
Bicarbonate is NaHCo3( known as baking soda)