Q. With reference to ‘Baking Soda’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is Sodium hydrogen carbonate.
2. It is used in fire extinguishers.
Select the correct answer from the code given below :
a) Only 2
b) Neither 1 nor 2
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Only 1
Correct Answer: c) Both 1 and 2
Question from UPPSC Prelims 2025
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Baking soda is sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate), chemical formula NaHCO3.
Statement 2 is correct: Sodium bicarbonate is used in fire extinguishers. In dry chemical (Class B and C) extinguishers, sodium bicarbonate powder smothers flames; in older soda–acid extinguishers, it reacts to release CO2, which displaces oxygen.
Therefore, both statements are correct.
