Is baking powder a base or an acid?

Baking powder is actually neither a base nor an acid on its own. It's a leavening agent that creates carbon dioxide gas, which causes baked goods to rise.

Here's why:

* Baking powder contains both acidic and basic components. The most common type of baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate (a base) and one or more acid salts, like monocalcium phosphate or cream of tartar (acids).

* When mixed with liquid, the acidic and basic components react. This reaction releases carbon dioxide gas, which gets trapped in the batter or dough, causing it to rise.

So, baking powder is essentially a mixture that creates an acid-base reaction. It's the combination that produces the leavening effect, not the individual components alone.