When baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are mixed together in equal parts by weight, a chemical reaction occurs, leading to the formation of water (H2O), oxygen (O2), and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3).
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is as follows:
2 NaHCO3 + H2O2 → 2 H2O + 2 CO2 + Na2CO3
In this reaction, the hydrogen peroxide acts as a source of oxygen, which is released as a gas (O2). The baking soda acts as a base, and when it reacts with the hydrogen peroxide, it produces water and carbon dioxide gas (CO2). The sodium carbonate is also formed as a product.
Overall, the reaction results in the production of water, carbon dioxide, and sodium carbonate. The effervescence or bubbling that occurs is due to the release of carbon dioxide gas.