What is baking powder? How does it make the cake soft and spongy? (AS7)

Baking powder

The chemical name of the compound is sodium carbonate (NaHCO₃).

Preparation of baking powder is

NaCl + H₂O + CO₂ + NH₃→ NH₄Cl + NaHCO₃

Baking Powder

It is sometimes added for faster cooking.

It is a mild non-corrosive base.

When baking powder (a mixture of baking soda and tartaric acid) is mixed with water, the reaction takes place:

NaHCO₃ + H⁺→ CO₂ + H₂O + sodium slat of water

CO₂ which is released during the reaction makes the cake soft and spongy.