Acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate produce sodium acetate with release carbon dioxide gas and water
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
When acetic acid (CH₃COOH) reacts with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), the products are sodium acetate (CH₃COONa), carbon dioxide gas (CO₂), and water (H₂O). The balanced chemical equation is:
CH₃COOH + NaHCO₃ → CH₃COONa + CO₂ + H₂O
Explanation
The reaction between acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate is a classic example of an acid–base reaction involving a weak acid and a weak base. Acetic acid, a weak organic acid found in vinegar, donates a proton (H⁺) to the bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻), which acts as a base.
Upon proton transfer, the bicarbonate ion becomes carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which is unstable under standard conditions. This carbonic acid quickly decomposes into carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) and water (H₂O). The release of carbon dioxide is observable as bubbling or fizzing during the reaction.
The sodium ion (Na⁺) from the sodium bicarbonate combines with the acetate ion (CH₃COO⁻), which remains after the proton is lost from acetic acid, forming sodium acetate (CH₃COONa), a soluble salt.
This reaction is commonly used in everyday applications. For example, it is the basis of the “volcano” science experiment, where the rapid release of carbon dioxide gas creates foaming and bubbling effects. The same chemical reaction occurs in baking when baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is used with an acidic ingredient to produce leavening gases that make dough rise.
In laboratory settings, the reaction demonstrates gas evolution, acid–base neutralization, and thermal decomposition. The process illustrates conservation of mass and transformation of matter from one form to another.
From a chemical perspective, this reaction is classified as a double displacement followed by a decomposition. It showcases the interplay between acid–base chemistry and gas formation, reinforcing concepts such as pH, equilibrium, and solubility in aqueous systems.
The observable effervescence serves as direct evidence for the formation of a gaseous product, confirming the completion of the reaction.
