Name: ________________________________ Date: _________

Baking soda
In this practical we will examine what happens to baking soda when it is heated up. Baking
soda is a salt made of the ions Na+ and HCO3-; the salt is called sodium hydrogen carbonate.
When baking soda is heated a new compound is made while gas is given off. Below you are
given three possible ways this could take place:

(I) NaHCO3(s) → Na2O(s) + H2O(g) + CO2(g)

(II) NaHCO3(s) → NaOH(s) + CO2(g)

(III) NaHCO3(s) → Na2CO3(s) + H2O(g) + CO2(g)

Note that the equations are not balanced.

The experiment will show you which of the reactions the correct one is. This can be done by
comparing experimental data to theoretical calculations.

Apparatus and chemicals:

Crucible, tripod, pipe clay triangle, crucible tongs, Bunsen burner, electronic balance and
baking soda (NaHCO3).

Procedure:
Set up the apparatus with the tripod, Bunsen burner and pipe clay triangle sitting on the tripod
(see the picture next page). Place the crucible on the pipe clay triangle and heat the crucible
strongly for a few minutes.
Allow the crucible to cool down and then determine the mass of the crucible.
Weigh out 5 g baking soda (you must know the mass to 3 s.f.)
Heat up the crucible with lid for 5 minutes; then remove the lid and heat for 5-10 more
minutes.
After heating allow the crucible to cool down; then weigh the crucible and content.

All results should be recorded in the table below:

Mass of Mass of Mass of baking Mass of Mass of

crucible crucible and soda crucible and compound after
baking soda. compound after heating.
heating

Data processing:
1) Balance the three equations.

2) Calculate the molar mass of baking soda. (M)

3) Calculate the amount of baking soda used. (n)

4) Assuming that equation (I) is correct calculate the amount of Na2O formed. Then calculate
the mass of Na2O. Record the value in the table below.

5) Assuming that equation (II) is correct calculate the amount of NaOH formed. Then
calculate the mass of NaOH. Record the value in the table below.

6) Assuming that equation (III) is correct calculate the amount of Na2CO3 formed. Then
calculate the mass of Na2CO3. Record the value in the table below.

7) Use the mass of the compound formed in the experiment to determine which equation is
correct.

Mass of Na2O Mass of NaOH Mass of Na2CO3