Write about the preparation, properties and uses of (a) Plaster of paris (b)Washing soda
Answers
Explanation:
Sodium bicarbonate commonly known as baking soda is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. It is a salt composed of a sodium cation and a bicarbonate anion. Sodium carbonate can be obtained by heating baking soda, recrystallization of sodium carbonate gives washing soda. It is also called basic salt.
Plaster of Paris is obtained by heating gypsum. The chemical formula of plaster of Paris is CaSO4.1/2H2O. Plaster of Paris is a white powder and on mixing with water it changes to gypsum resulting in a hard solid mass. It is mainly used by doctors as a plaster for setting the fractured bones in the right position.
1. Plaster of Paris
Plaster of Paris is a chemical compound consisting of fine white powder, which hardens when exposed to moisture and allowed to dry. Its chemical formula of Plaster of Paris is CaSO4.1/2H2O and is better known as calcium sulfate hemihydrate.
Plaster of Paris
Representation of use of Plaster of Paris
Preparation of Plaster of Paris
Plaster of Paris is synthesized from gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O). When gypsum is heated at 373 K, it loses its water molecules to become calcium sulphate (plaster of Paris).
CaSO4.2H2O → CaSO4.1/2H2O + 3/2H2O
Uses of Plaster of Paris
Plaster of Paris is used by doctors for supporting fractured bones in the right position.
It is used for making toys and decorative materials.
It is also used for increasing smoothness of surfaces.
2. Washing Soda
Washing soda is a whitish, odourless powder. Its chemical formula is Na2CO3 and is better known as sodium carbonate. It is hygroscopic in nature that is, it absorbs moisture from the air. It is highly soluble in water and forms strongly alkaline water solution.
Washing Soda
Washing Soda as a white powder
Preparation of Washing Soda
Washing soda is synthesized through Solvay’s process. Solvay’s process involves the reaction of sodium chloride, ammonia and carbon dioxide in water. Carbon dioxide involved is produced through calcium carbonate and the calcium oxide left is used in recovering ammonia from ammonium chloride.
At first, sodium bicarbonate is obtained which is then converted to sodium carbonate on heating. Finally, washing soda is produced by recrystallization of sodium carbonate.
NaCl + NH3 + CO2 + H2O → NaHCO3 + NH4Cl
2 NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2
Na2CO3 + 10H2O → Na2CO3.10H2O
Uses of Washing Soda
Washing soda is used for removing burnt-on grease from kitchen utensils.
It is prominently used in soap, glass and paper industries.
It also helps in the removal of permanent hardness of the water.
It acts as a raw material in the manufacturing of various sodium compounds, for example, borax.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a white crystalline compound with a slightly salty taste. Its chemical formula is NaHCO3 and is generally known as sodium bicarbonate.
Baking Soda
Baking Soda – a white crystalline compound
Preparation of Baking Soda
Baking soda is synthesized through Solvay’s process. Solvay’s process involves the reaction of sodium chloride, ammonia and carbon dioxide in water. The carbon dioxide involved is produced through calcium carbonate and the calcium oxide left is used in recovering ammonia from ammonium chloride. Finally, sodium bicarbonate is produced as one of the end products.
NaCl + H2O + CO2 + NH3 → NH4Cl + NaHCO3
Uses of Baking Soda
It is used in making soft and fluffy bread and cakes due to the production of carbon dioxide when it is heated or mixed in water.
NaHCO3 + H+ → CO2 + H2O + sodium salt of acid
It is used for making soda-acid fire extinguisher.
It is used as an ingredient in the manufacturing of antacids.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the chemical formula of baking soda?
Ans: NaHCO3
2. Baking soda is also known as _______.
Ans: Sodium bicarbonate.
3. What is the chemical formula of plaster of paris?
Ans: CaSO4.1/2H2O
4. List two uses of plaster of paris.
Ans: It is used in coating walls and ceilings. It is also widely used by doctors as a plaster for setting the fractured bones in the right position.
5. Washing soda is also known as _______.
Ans: Sodium carbonate.
6. What is the chemical formula of sodium carbonate?
Ans: Na2CO3