What dissolves faster salt or baking soda?

This is because salt (NaCl) is a highly soluble ionic compound, meaning that it readily breaks down into its constituent ions (Na+ and Cl-) when dissolved in water. The small size of these ions allows them to easily disperse and move throughout the water molecules, leading to a rapid dissolution process.

In contrast, baking soda (NaHCO3) is a less soluble compound. While it can also dissociate into ions (Na+, HCO3-), the presence of the larger and more complex bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) hinders its dissolution. The bicarbonate ion forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules, creating a stronger attraction between the solute and the solvent. As a result, baking soda dissolves at a slower rate compared to salt.

The difference in solubility between salt and baking soda can be observed by comparing the time it takes for each substance to dissolve completely in a glass of water. Salt will typically dissolve within a few seconds or minutes, while baking soda may require several minutes or even hours to fully dissolve.