The Difference Between Baking Soda and Soda Ash
Baking soda and soda ash are similar, yet have a different chemical makeup, reactions and uses. Baking soda, known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is composed of one atom of sodium, one atom of hydrogen, one atom of carbon and three atoms of oxygen. Soda ash, known as sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) is made from two atoms of sodium, one atom of carbon and three atoms of oxygen. In both compounds, the sodium will separate from the carbon when mixed with water, but their responses are different. When baking soda breaks down, it vacillates between an acid and base state, while soda ash becomes a base, which can be used to neutralize acids. Baking soda is a common ingredient in cooking. When mixed with water and an acid, it gives off carbon dioxide gas, which causes the baked goods to rise. This effervescent byproduct makes baking soda a helpful ingredient in carbonated drinks as well. Sodium bicarbonate has numerous additional uses;...