Balance NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂
2 NaHCO₃(s) → Na₂CO₃(s) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g)
Balance an equation
2NaHCO₃(s)→Na₂CO₃(s)+H₂O(l)+CO₂(g)
Balanced
Atoms on each side
| Atom | As writtenleft : right | Balancedleft : right |
|---|---|---|
| Na | 1:2 | 2:2 |
| H | 1:2 | 2:2 |
| C | 1:2 | 2:2 |
| O | 3:6 | 6:6 |
Check atoms
How to balance it, step by step
- Count the atoms of each element on both sides, as written.
- Start with the biggest formula, NaHCO₃: put 1 in front of it.
- Na: 1 on the left. Put 1/2 in front of Na₂CO₃ (1/2 × 2 = 1).
- C: 1 on the left, 1/2 already on the right. Put 1/2 in front of CO₂ (1/2 × 1 = 1/2).
- H: 1 on the left. Put 1/2 in front of H₂O (1/2 × 2 = 1).
- Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2.
- Check: Na 2 = 2, H 2 = 2, C 2 = 2, O 6 = 6. Balanced.
What happens
It is a decomposition reaction: one substance breaks down into simpler ones. Baking soda breaks down on heating and gives off carbon dioxide, which makes cakes rise and soft.
Heating baking soda: quick answers
What is the balanced equation for heating baking soda?
2 NaHCO₃(s) → Na₂CO₃(s) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g). The coefficients are 2, 1, 1 and 1. Each side then has 2 Na, 2 H, 2 C and 6 O.
What type of reaction is heating baking soda?
It is a decomposition reaction: one substance breaks down into simpler ones. Baking soda breaks down on heating and gives off carbon dioxide, which makes cakes rise and soft.
How do you balance NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂?
Start with the biggest formula, NaHCO₃: put 1 in front of it. Na: 1 on the left. Put 1/2 in front of Na₂CO₃ (1/2 × 2 = 1). C: 1 on the left, 1/2 already on the right. Put 1/2 in front of CO₂ (1/2 × 1 = 1/2). H: 1 on the left. Put 1/2 in front of H₂O (1/2 × 2 = 1). Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2. Never change a subscript, because that would change the substance.