* The reactants: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and the burning oil/grease in the frying pan.
* The reaction: The heat of the fire causes the baking soda to decompose. This releases carbon dioxide gas, which is what causes the bubbling and foaming. The carbon dioxide also smothers the fire, depriving it of oxygen and extinguishing it.
* The evidence:
* Bubbling and foaming: This indicates the release of a gas.
* The fire going out: This is the most obvious sign of a chemical reaction, as the fire is being extinguished.
* The change in appearance of the baking soda: It likely changes from a solid powder to a more liquid or frothy form.
The chemical equation for the decomposition of baking soda is:
2 NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂
This equation shows that baking soda (NaHCO₃) breaks down into sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), water (H₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The carbon dioxide is responsible for the extinguishing effect.
