* Chemical Change: Involves the formation of new substances with different chemical properties. This is indicated by the production of bubbles (carbon dioxide gas) and a change in the solution's pH.
* Physical Change: Only alters the physical appearance or state of a substance, without changing its chemical composition. Examples include melting ice, boiling water, or cutting paper.
The Reaction:
The reaction between acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate produces:
* Sodium Acetate (NaC2H3O2)
* Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
* Water (H2O)
Equation:
CH3COOH (aq) + NaHCO3 (aq) → NaC2H3O2 (aq) + CO2 (g) + H2O (l)
Key Indicators of a Chemical Change:
* Gas Production: Bubbles of CO2 are released.
* Change in pH: The solution becomes less acidic as the acetic acid reacts.
* Formation of a New Substance: Sodium acetate is formed.
Therefore, the reaction of C2H4O2 and NaHCO3 is a chemical change.
