Learning Goal: When vinegar (acetic acid, HC 2 H 3 O 2 ) and baking soda (sodium

Question

Learning Goal:

When vinegar (acetic acid, HC2H3O2) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3) are mixed together, a vigorous reaction is observed which produces a colorless, odorless gas. If the reaction is carried out in a test tube and the gas is tested with a flaming wood splint, the flame would go out. This indicates the gas is not flammable or explosive (so it could not be H2), nor does it promote combustion (could not be O2). The formation of the gas occurs as the second step in a two part reaction. In the first step, the HC2H3O2 (aq) and solid NaHCO3 undergo a double displacement reaction. In Part A, you will enter the chemical equation with states for this reaction.

Once the products of the double displacement reaction are formed, a second reaction occurs. One of products decomposes into water and the colorless odorless gas. In part B, you will enter the equation for this second reaction.

In part C, you will enter the balanced chemical equation with states for the over all reaction. Bring this equation to lab - you will be using it to do some of the calculations.

Part A

Enter the balanced chemical equation with states for the double displacment reaction between acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate. In Part A and C, enter acetic acid as the first reactant using the formula HC2H3O2 (aq), rather than CH3COOH.

Part B

Enter the balanced chemical equation with states for the decomposition of one of the products of the above reaction into water and a gaseous product.

Part C

Enter the balanced chemical equation with states for the overall reaction. Start with acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate and include only the final products (not the product that decomposed).

Explanation / Answer

Part A – Double Displacement Reaction

HC2H3O2 (aq) + NaHCO3 (aq) --------> NaC2H3O2 (aq) + H2CO3 (aq)

Part B – Decomposition of carbonic (H2CO3) acid

Carbonic acid is a weak acid and decomposes into water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas.

H2CO3 (aq) --------> CO2 (g) + H2O (l)

Part C – Balanced Overall Reaction

HC2H3O2 (aq) + NaHCO3 (aq) --------> NaC2H3O2 (aq) + CO2 (g) + H2O (l)

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