Is baking powder and soda leavening agents?

* Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an alkaline compound that reacts with an acid to produce carbon dioxide gas, which creates bubbles and causes the batter to rise. It needs an acidic ingredient to activate.

* Baking powder is a combination of baking soda, an acidic ingredient (like cream of tartar), and a drying agent (like cornstarch). This pre-mixed combination reacts with moisture to release carbon dioxide gas.

Here's the key difference:

* Baking soda requires an acid to activate.

* Baking powder is already pre-activated and contains its own acid.

Let me know if you have any more questions!