What will happen if a solution of sodium hydrocarbonate is heated? Give the equation of the reaction involved.

A: When a solution of Sodium Hydrocarbonate (NaHCO3), also known as Baking Soda, is heated:

Decomposition Reaction:

2NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2 What happens: Sodium Hydrocarbonate breaks down into: Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3) Water (H2O) Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Observations:

Effervescence (bubbling) due to CO2 release Formation of a solid precipitate (Na2CO3)

Practical Applications: Baking: CO2 released helps dough rise Fire extinguishers: CO2 released helps smother fires Heating Sodium Hydrocarbonate initiates this decomposition reaction, releasing carbon dioxide and forming sodium carbonate.