Decomposition of Sodium Bicarbonate
Background and Purpose:
Sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate) decomposes at around 70oC. One of the products of
the decomposition is carbon dioxide, which makes baking soda a popular ingredient in baking. Why would the
production of carbon dioxide make it popular?
Use the lab to determine which of the following statements is correct.
A.) When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is heated, it decomposes to gaseous carbon dioxide and solid
sodium hydroxide.
B.) When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is heated, it decomposes to gaseous carbon dioxide, water vapor
and solid sodium oxide.
C.) When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is heated, it decomposes to gaseous carbon dioxide, water vapor,
and solid sodium carbonate.
Process: In your group, determine balanced reactions for each of the above statements. How will performing
the decomposition for a fixed amount of sodium bicarbonate over a Bunsen burner for 10 minutes tell you
which statement is correct?
Equipment: Crucible, Baking Soda, Balance, Crucible tong, scoopula, burner, ring stand, ring and clay triangle.
Turn In (next class): Typed. Explain how you determined the correct reaction. This should include balanced
reactions for each statement above, how you performed the lab, an identification of the correct reaction, and a
discussion of why it is correct.
Decomposition of Sodium Bicarbonate
Background and Purpose:
Sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate) decomposes at around 70oC. One of the products of
the decomposition is carbon dioxide, which makes baking soda a popular ingredient in baking. Why would the
production of carbon dioxide make it popular?
Use the lab to determine which of the following statements is correct.
A.) When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is heated, it decomposes to gaseous carbon dioxide and solid
sodium hydroxide.
B.) When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is heated, it decomposes to gaseous carbon dioxide, water vapor
and solid sodium oxide.
C.) When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is heated, it decomposes to gaseous carbon dioxide, water vapor,
and solid sodium carbonate.
Process: In your group, determine balanced reactions for each of the above statements. How will performing
the decomposition for a fixed amount of sodium bicarbonate over a Bunsen burner for 10 minutes tell you
which statement is correct?
Equipment: Crucible, Baking Soda, Balance, Crucible tong, scoopula, burner, ring stand, ring and clay triangle.
Turn In (next class): Typed. Explain how you determined the correct reaction. This should include balanced
reactions for each statement above, how you performed the lab, an identification of the correct reaction, and a
discussion of why it is correct.