What happens when you heat sodium bicarbonate?

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), commonly known as baking soda, undergoes a chemical change when heated. The process is called thermal decomposition, where heat energy causes the compound to break down into its constituent components.

When sodium bicarbonate is heated, it decomposes into three products:

1. Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3): This is the main product of the decomposition. Sodium carbonate is a white, powdery substance that is commonly used in various household cleaning products, such as washing soda.

2. Carbon dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is released during the decomposition process. It is commonly used as a leavening agent in baking, causing baked goods to rise.

3. Water vapor (H2O): Water vapor is also produced during the decomposition of sodium bicarbonate. It is released as steam or vapor.

The overall chemical reaction for the thermal decomposition of sodium bicarbonate can be represented as follows:

2NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate) → Na2CO3 (sodium carbonate) + CO2 (carbon dioxide) + H2O (water vapor)

The temperature required for sodium bicarbonate to decompose varies depending on the conditions. Typically, it starts to decompose at around 270 degrees Celsius (518 degrees Fahrenheit) and the process becomes more rapid as the temperature increases.

The decomposition of sodium bicarbonate is a non-flammable process. However, the release of carbon dioxide gas can create pressure inside a closed container or oven, so it's important to ensure proper ventilation when heating sodium bicarbonate in large quantities.