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  • Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate and Nitric Acid Reaction: Balanced Equation & Explanation
    The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃) and nitric acid (HNO₃) is:

    NaHCO₃(s) + HNO₃(aq) → NaNO₃(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g)

    Here's what happens in the reaction:

    * Reactants:

    * Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃): A white solid, also known as baking soda.

    * Nitric acid (HNO₃): A strong acid.

    * Products:

    * Sodium nitrate (NaNO₃): A soluble ionic compound.

    * Water (H₂O): A liquid.

    * Carbon dioxide (CO₂): A gas, which is released as bubbles.

    Explanation:

    This is a classic acid-base reaction. The nitric acid (HNO₃) acts as an acid, donating a proton (H⁺) to the sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃), which acts as a base. This results in the formation of sodium nitrate (NaNO₃), water (H₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The carbon dioxide gas is what causes the fizzing or bubbling you often see in this type of reaction.

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