Question

Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder?

Answer 1

Hint: We need to remember that the baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate having the chemical formula, \[NaHC{O_3}\]. The baking soda is a salt which contains sodium cation and bicarbonate anion. And this is crystalline in nature with white in colour and it appears like a fine powder. The baking soda is mainly used to prepare the cakes, cookies and muffins etc. Which is a good leaving agent. And the baking powder is prepared by using both acid and base.

Complete answer:
We can use baking soda instead of baking powder. If we substitute the baking soda instead of baking powder, they will not have any rise and the pancakes will praise them well. The baking soda is activated by mixing of both acidic components and solvent. Both baking soda and baking powder look similar. But they are not surely the same. The baking soda is sodium carbonate and it needs an acid and a liquid to activate and it helps to bake a good rise. Rather, baking powder also contains the sodium bicarbonate as well as an acid. Therefore, you can use baking soda instead of baking powder.

Note:
We also need to know that the baking soda is naturally basic or alkaline compound and the baking powder is the mixture of both acid and base. And the baking powder is a buffering material which prevents base and acid from the reaction. The commercial baking powder by using the sodium bicarbonate and one or more salts of acid. The more use of baking soda may lead to health issues like gastric problems, nausea, diarrhea etc.