Question

What is the common name of sodium bicarbonate?
(A) Baking soda
(B) Washing soda
(C) Bleaching powder
(D) sweet soda

Answer 1

In order to know the common name for sodium carbonate, we must know about the characteristic properties of sodium carbonate. It is an inorganic chemical compound with the chemical formula of $N{a_2}C{O_3}$. It is present as a white powder and soluble in water.

Complete Solution :
Let us understand about sodium carbonate. Sodium carbonate is an inorganic chemical compound with the molecular formula of $N{a_2}C{O_3}$. It is also known as the soda ash. The other names of sodium carbonate are soda crystals and washing soda. It is present as white powder and it is odourless. It is highly soluble in water. It has a pH of about 10.5 and therefore, it is a strong base. The main use of sodium carbonate is antacid and it can also be used as a water softener.

Let us now discuss the options given.
- Option (A) is the baking soda. Baking soda is the common name for sodium bicarbonate with the molecular formula of $NaHC{O_3}$. Therefore, it is incorrect.
- Option (B) is the washing soda. It is the common name for sodium carbonate with the molecular formula of $N{a_2}C{O_3}$. Therefore, it is correct.
- Option (C) is the bleaching powder. It is the common name for Calcium hypochlorite with the molecular formula of $Ca{(OCl)_2}$. Therefore, it is incorrect.
- Option (D) is sweet soda. It is also used to refer to sodium bicarbonate with the molecular formula of $NaHC{O_3}$. Therefore, it is incorrect.
So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Additional information:
Sodium carbonate can be prepared by the following methods.
- Leblanc process
- Electrolytic process
- Solvay process
- Dual process

Note: Sodium carbonate has various uses such as
- It is used as a water softener.
- As an antacid.
- It is used in the manufacture of washing powder, soap, detergents.
- It is used in the laboratory.
- It is used as a pH modifier.