Description
Overview
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly referred to as baking soda or meetha soda is a versatile and widely used compound. It plays a significant role in household, industrial, medical, and scientific applications due to its alkaline properties and ability to react with acids.
Uses
Household Applications:
- Baking: Acts as a leavening agent by releasing CO₂ when mixed with an acid.
- Cleaning: Used as a gentle abrasive and deodorizer.
- Odor Neutralizer: Absorbs odors in spaces like refrigerators or carpets.
Medical Applications:
- Antacid: Treats heartburn and indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid.
- Oral Care: Found in toothpaste and mouthwash for its mild abrasiveness and acid-neutralizing properties.
- Acidosis Treatment: Administered to balance blood pH in certain medical conditions.
Food Industry:
- Leavening Agent: Used in baking and processed foods.
- pH Buffer: Maintains acidity levels in beverages and products.
Industrial Applications:
- Fire Extinguishers: Component in dry chemical extinguishers.
- Water Treatment: Regulates pH in swimming pools and industrial systems.
- Textile and Dyeing: Used in fabric treatments.
Sports and Fitness:
Performance Aid: Bicarbonate loading is used by athletes to delay fatigue by buffering lactic acid buildup.
Scientific Applications:
Used as a reagent in laboratories for neutralizing acids or calibrating pH.