When you add a few drops of acetic acid to a test-tube containing sodium bicarbonate powder, which one of the following is your observation?(A) No reaction takes place.(B) A colorless gas with pungent smell is released with brisk effervescence.(C) A brown colored gas is released with brisk effervescence.(D) Formation of bubbles of a colorless and odorless gas.

Correct Answer: (D) Formation of bubbles of a colorless and odorless gas.

Explanation: CO_2​ is formed during the above reaction. It is a colourless and odourless gas. Brisk effervescence of carbon dioxide gas is observed.

The equation for the reactions are given below:

$NaHCO_3 + CH_3COOH \rightarrow CH_3COONa + H_2CO_3$

Acetic acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate to form sodium acetate and carbonic acid.

Carbonic acid is unstable and undergoes a decomposition reaction to produce carbon dioxide gas.

$H_2CO_3 \rightarrow H_2O + CO_2$

Carbon dioxide escapes from the solution as bubbles hence, brisk effervescence is observed.

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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