Sodium bicarbonate, NaHC , is the active ingredient of baking soda. Compare its structure carefully with the weak acids and bases presented in this chapter and explain how this compound by itself in solution (with no other components)moderates changes in pH.
A)Sodium bicarbonate is like two buffer components combined into one molecule, the hydrogen end of the molecule is similar to a weak base, and the sodium end is like a weak acid.
B)Sodium bicarbonate is like two buffer components combined into one molecule, the hydrogen end of the molecule is similar to a weak acid, and the sodium end is like a weak base.
C)Sodium bicarbonate is like a buffer, the hydrogen end of the molecule is similar to a weak base.
D)Sodium bicarbonate is like a buffer, the sodium end of the molecule is like a weak acid.

Question

Sodium bicarbonate, NaHC  , is the active ingredient of baking soda. Compare its structure carefully with the weak acids and bases presented in this chapter and explain how this compound by itself in solution (with no other components)moderates changes in pH. 
A)Sodium bicarbonate is like two buffer components combined into one molecule, the hydrogen end of the molecule is similar to a weak base, and the sodium end is like a weak acid. 
B)Sodium bicarbonate is like two buffer components combined into one molecule, the hydrogen end of the molecule is similar to a weak acid, and the sodium end is like a weak base. 
C)Sodium bicarbonate is like a buffer, the hydrogen end of the molecule is similar to a weak base. 
D)Sodium bicarbonate is like a buffer, the sodium end of the molecule is like a weak acid.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sodium bicarbonate is a weak base because it has a hydrogen ion that can be donated, but it is also like a weak acid because it can accept a hydrogen ion. This combination makes it act as a buffer, moderating changes in pH by accepting or donating hydrogen ions as needed. Therefore, sodium bicarbonate is like two buffer components combined into one molecule, the hydrogen end of the molecule is similar to a weak acid, and the sodium end is like a weak base.

Sodium Bicarbonate, NaHC , Is the Active Ingredient of Baking