What is chemical formula of washing soda write its chemical equation of it’s preparation? also write it’s uses
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Chemical Formula of Washing Soda:
The chemical formula of washing soda is Na₂CO₃·10H₂O. It is also known as sodium carbonate decahydrate.
Chemical Equation for the Preparation of Washing Soda:
Washing soda is prepared by heating baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and then recrystallizing the resulting sodium carbonate in water containing excess water molecules. The reaction involves two steps:
- Thermal decomposition of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate):
2NaHCO3→heatNa2CO3+CO2+H2O2NaHCO₃ \xrightarrow{heat} Na₂CO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O2NaHCO3heatNa2CO3+CO2+H2O
- Recrystallization of sodium carbonate:
Na2CO3+10H2O→Na2CO3⋅10H2ONa₂CO₃ + 10H₂O \rightarrow Na₂CO₃·10H₂ONa2CO3+10H2O→Na2CO3⋅10H2O
Uses of Washing Soda:
- Cleaning Agent:
Washing soda acts as an excellent cleaning agent, especially for removing tough stains from clothes and household surfaces. Its alkaline nature helps in breaking down greasy substances and oils. - Water Softening:
In areas with hard water, washing soda is used to soften water. It reacts with magnesium and calcium ions in hard water, forming insoluble carbonates and thus preventing scale formation in pipes and appliances. - Glass, Soap, and Paper Manufacturing:
Washing soda serves as a key raw material in the manufacturing processes of glass, soaps, and paper due to its alkaline and buffering properties. - Laboratory Applications:
It is often used in laboratories to standardize acids and as a reagent in various chemical experiments. - pH Regulation:
Sodium carbonate helps in maintaining the pH level of water in pools and industrial processes.
In conclusion, washing soda is a versatile chemical compound essential in domestic, industrial, and laboratory settings. Its preparation through heating baking soda and subsequent crystallization showcases a practical example of chemical transformation and application
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