When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is mixed with lemon juice (containing citric acid), a chemical reaction occurs, producing carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium citrate.
The Chemistry Behind It
- Baking soda is a base, meaning it has a pH greater than 7.
- Lemon juice is an acid, meaning it has a pH less than 7.
- When a base and an acid are mixed, they neutralize each other in a process called acid-base reaction.
- This neutralization releases carbon dioxide gas, which is what causes the fizzing and bubbling you see.
Practical Applications
This reaction has many practical applications, including:
- Baking: Baking soda and lemon juice are often used together as a leavening agent in baking recipes. The carbon dioxide gas produced helps to make cakes, cookies, and bread rise.
- Cleaning: The fizzing action can help to remove stains and grime from surfaces.
- Skincare: The combination is sometimes used to create a gentle exfoliating scrub.
Examples
- Baking: A common example is the use of baking soda and lemon juice in recipes for pancakes or muffins.
- Cleaning: A mixture of baking soda and lemon juice can be used to clean sinks, tubs, and countertops.
- Skincare: A paste made from baking soda and lemon juice can be applied to the skin to help remove dead skin cells.
Conclusion
The reaction between baking soda and lemon juice is a simple yet powerful chemical process with various practical applications. The fizzing and bubbling action is a result of the release of carbon dioxide gas, which is produced when the base (baking soda) neutralizes the acid (lemon juice).
