Is baking soda a pure substance or a mixture?
Baking soda is a pure substance, NaHCO3, sodium bicarbonate (or in the new naming system it is sodium hydrogen carbonate).
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), is considered a pure substance. It is composed of only one type of molecule, which means it is not a mixture.
To determine whether baking soda is a pure substance or a mixture, we need to understand the definition of each.
A pure substance is a type of matter that has a fixed composition, meaning it is made up of only one type of atom or molecule. It cannot be separated into other substances through physical means.
A mixture, on the other hand, is made up of two or more pure substances that are physically combined but can be separated into their individual components through various methods.
With this understanding, let's determine the nature of baking soda. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), is a pure substance. It consists of only one type of atom (sodium), one type of element (carbon), and three types of elements (oxygen). Hence, baking soda is not a mixture but a pure substance.
However, it is essential to note that baking soda can undergo a chemical reaction when it comes into contact with other substances, such as acids or heat, resulting in a different chemical composition. In such cases, the resulting substance may be a mixture.