I had to conduct a baking soda vs baking powder investigation to determine which additive is best for cooking and baking. For this assessment, research will be conducted to find out what each additive contains, how and why they improve cooking, and their advantages and disadvantages. Sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate is the chemical name for baking soda and its chemical formula is NaHCO3. . Baking soda is a high pH chemical compound that appears as a fine white powder with a somewhat salty taste. The substance can be used for cooking but also for oral hygiene such as teeth whitening and mouthwashes. Sodium bicarbonate can also be used mixed with water to treat indigestion, heartburn and allergies. Baking soda has an “amphoretic” characteristic in that it neutralizes both acids and bases. Baking soda is used to leaven a mixture and so as a base it reacts with an acid to obtain co2 gas, water and salt. This reaction takes place once the mixture has been properly mixed. The CO2 gas bubbles rise in the oven at 80 C and give a slightly spongy texture. If you decide to wait after mixing the ingredients, the mixture may not rise and ruin your recipe. Baking powder is used as a leavening agent for baking, especially when making cakes. It consists of alkali, baking soda and cream of tartar. Corn flour and rice flour are also used to absorb moisture. Molecules of sodium hydrogen carbonate or baking soda break down efficiently when heated, causing the formation of carbon dioxide (CO2). The co2 causes the mixture to bubble and rise, making the cakes spongy. The word equation for this is below and shows that b...... middle of paper...... carbon dioxide. One drawback, however, is that it browns anything cooking in the oven, hence the “browning” effect. In conclusion, we can say that baking powder is better than baking soda because baking soda can be used as a substitute and has a neutral effect. features. Nonetheless, it depends on an individual's personal preference to use baking powder or baking soda, or both. /glossary/baking-powderhttp://chemistry.about.com/cs/foodchemistry/f/blbaking.htmhttp://www.chemicalformula.org/baking-sodahttp://www.orbitals.com/self/leaven/http http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_bicarbonate http://chemistry.about.com/cs/foodchemistry/f/blbaking.htm http://joythebaker.com/2013/10/baking-101-the-difference- between -baking soda and baking powder/