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bicarbonate of soda
Definition
Bicarbonate of soda, also known as baking soda, is a white, odourless powder that is used in baking, cleaning, and medicine. It is a base, which means that it can neutralise acids.
Bicarbonate of soda is made up of two elements: sodium and bicarbonate. Sodium is a metal that is found in many common household products, such as table salt. Bicarbonate is a compound that contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Bicarbonate of soda is a versatile substance that has many uses. In baking, it is used to leaven cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. It also reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas, which is used in fire extinguishers and to make fizzy drinks.
In cleaning, bicarbonate of soda can be used to remove dirt, grease, and stains. It can also be used to deodorise and freshen up surfaces.
In medicine, bicarbonate of soda is used to treat heartburn and indigestion. It can also be used to treat certain types of poisoning.
How can the word be used?
Bicarbonate of soda can be used to treat heartburn.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
bicarbonate of soda (a white, crystalline compound with the formula NaHCO₃).
baking soda (a common name for bicarbonate of soda).
saleratus (an old name for bicarbonate of soda).
Adjective:
bicarbonate of soda (of or relating to bicarbonate of soda).
Verb:
to bicarbonate of soda (to treat with bicarbonate of soda).
Etymology
The word "bicarbonate of soda" is a compound word that comes from the Latin word bi, meaning "two", the Greek word karbon, meaning "coal", and the Latin word soda, meaning "ash". The word "bicarbonate of soda" first appeared in English in the 18th century, and it refers to a white, crystalline compound that is used in a variety of applications, such as baking, cleaning, and medicine.
Question
What can bicarbonate of soda be used for?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
What is the common chemical name for "bicarbonate of soda," and what is its chemical formula?
Answer:
The common chemical name for "bicarbonate of soda" is "sodium bicarbonate," and its chemical formula is NaHCO3.