What is Sodium bicarbonate?
[[File:Sodium bicarbonate.jpg|thumb|Sodium bicarbonate]] [[File:SodiumBicarbonate.svg|thumb|Sodium bicarbonate chemical structure]] '''Sodium bicarbonate''' is '''baking soda''', '''bicarb''' or '''bicarbonate of soda'''. It is a chemical compound, sodium hydrogen carbonate, with the formula NaHCO<sub>3</sub>. The elements within it are sodium, hydrogen, carbon, oxygen. It is a white [[crystal]]line [[powder]]. Sodium bicarbonate is an [[antacid]]. It is sometimes used to relieve [[acid indigestion]], a sickness caused by lots of acid in one's stomach. This was usually done by mixing sodium bicarbonate with water and drinking it. When there is too much acid, it causes [[heartburn]], an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach. It reacts with [[acid]]s to produce [[carbon dioxide]] gas. It also reacts with [[base (chemistry)|bases]] to reduce their harmful effects. When sodium bicarbonate is heated, it releases [[carbon dioxide]] and [[water]] vapor (gas) and turns into [[sodium carbonate]]. Baking soda is rarely found in the earth. It can be manufactured [[artificial]]ly, though. {{chem-stub}} [[Category:Sodium compounds]] [[Category:Carbonates]]