What happens when you mix baking soda and sulfuric acid?

When you mix baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4), a neutralization reaction occurs, producing sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. The reaction is highly exothermic, releasing heat and producing a significant amount of foam, as the carbon dioxide gas is released from the solution.

Understanding the Reaction

Chemical Equation

The chemical equation for the reaction between baking soda and sulfuric acid is: NaHCO3 + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + 2H2O + CO2. This equation shows that one mole of sodium bicarbonate reacts with one mole of sulfuric acid to produce one mole of sodium sulfate, two moles of water, and one mole of carbon dioxide gas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the chemical reaction between baking soda and sulfuric acid? The chemical reaction between baking soda (NaHCO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a neutralization reaction, which produces sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas.
2. What happens when you mix acid and baking soda? When you mix acid and baking soda, a chemical reaction occurs, producing carbon dioxide gas, which forms bubbles and causes the mixture to foam.
3. Can you mix baking soda and sulfur? Yes, baking soda can be mixed with sulfur, and it is often used to increase the efficiency of the reaction.
4. What happens when you mix NaHCO3 and H2SO4? When you mix NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate) and H2SO4 (sulfuric acid), a neutralization reaction occurs, producing sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas.
5. Does baking soda neutralize sulfuric acid? Yes, baking soda can neutralize sulfuric acid, but it is essential to use a large amount of baking soda to neutralize a large acid spill.
6. What does H2SO4 and Na2CO3 make? The reaction between H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) and Na2CO3 (sodium carbonate) produces sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas.
7. What not to mix with baking soda? You should not mix baking soda with vinegar, as it can produce a weak acetic acid solution, which is not effective for cleaning.
8. What happens if you mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda? When you mix hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and baking soda (NaHCO3), an exothermic reaction occurs, producing carbon dioxide gas, which helps break apart grease and organic stain molecules.
9. Can you mix sulfur with hydrogen peroxide? Yes, sulfur can be mixed with hydrogen peroxide, producing sulfite and thiosulfate ions, and finally sulfate.
10. What acid reacts with baking soda? Acetic acid (CH3COOH) reacts with baking soda (NaHCO3) to produce carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate.
11. What will happen if you mix baking soda and vinegar? When you mix baking soda (NaHCO3) and vinegar (acetic acid), a chemical reaction occurs, producing carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate.
12. What happens when you mix sulfuric acid and sugar? When sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and sugar (C6H12O6) are mixed, an exothermic reaction occurs, producing vaporized water and carbon dioxide.
13. What happens when you add hydrogen peroxide to sulfuric acid? When hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is added to sulfuric acid (H2SO4), a highly exothermic reaction occurs, producing peroxymonosulfuric acid (H2SO5), also known as Caro’s acid.
14. What happens when you mix sugar with sulphuric acid? When sugar (C6H12O6) is mixed with sulphuric acid (H2SO4), a dehydrating reaction occurs, producing a growing “snake” of black carbon, steam, and the odor of burning caramel.
15. Can you mix Epsom salt and hydrogen peroxide? Yes, Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) can be mixed with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to create a detox bath, which can help remove toxins from the body.