Acids, Bases and Salts - Preparation and uses of Sodium Hydroxide, Bleaching powder, Baking soda, Washing soda and Plaster of Paris
Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.
πConcepts
Sodium Hydroxide (): Produced by the Chlor-alkali process through the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride (brine). Chlorine gas is released at the anode, hydrogen gas at the cathode, and solution is formed near the cathode.
Bleaching Powder (): Formed by the action of chlorine gas on dry slaked lime (). It is used as a bleaching agent in textiles and as a disinfectant for drinking water.
Baking Soda (): Chemically called Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate. It is produced using the Solvay process involving , , , and . It is a mild, non-corrosive basic salt used in baking and as an antacid.
Washing Soda (): Obtained by the recrystallization of sodium carbonate. It is used in glass, soap, and paper industries and for removing the permanent hardness of water.
Plaster of Paris (): Calcium sulphate hemihydrate obtained by heating Gypsum () at . It turns back into Gypsum on mixing with water, forming a hard solid mass.
πFormulae
π‘Examples
Problem 1:
Why should Plaster of Paris be stored in a moisture-proof container?
Solution:
Plaster of Paris () is a hygroscopic substance. In the presence of moisture, it absorbs water to form Gypsum (), which is a hard solid mass, making the plaster useless for further application.
Explanation:
The chemical reaction involved is:
Problem 2:
What happens when a solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate is heated? Write the equation.
Solution:
When sodium hydrogen carbonate () is heated, it decomposes to form sodium carbonate (), water (), and carbon dioxide ().
Explanation:
Equation: . This gas causes bread or cake to rise, making them soft and spongy.
Problem 3:
Identify the compound of calcium which is used for disinfecting drinking water and write its preparation.
Solution:
The compound is Bleaching Powder (). It is prepared by the action of chlorine gas on dry slaked lime.
Explanation:
Chemical equation: