what is the melting point of baking soda?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate or just plain baking powder, is an ingredient that’s found in most kitchens. It’s a powerful leavening agent that helps baked goods rise without yeast. It also combines with acidic ingredients like buttermilk, lemon juice and cocoa to produce bubbles of carbon dioxide gas.
How Can I Measure the Melting Point of Baking Soda?
The best way to measure the melting point of baking soda is by doing a simple experiment. To do this, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C), switch on the scale and zero it, then place one plate with the baking soda inside it onto the scale.
Put the other plate into the oven with the same timer set to 15 minutes and watch what happens. Do you see the plate with the baking soda getting heavier or lighter or staying the same?
You can also use a thermometer to measure the temperature of your baking soda. A simple alcohol-based thermometer will work, but you’ll get a better result by using a mercury thermometer or a digital model that has a wider operating range.
Alternatively, you can try the “baking soda test” in this activity from Everyday Health. Simply add a few drops of an acidic liquid (like lemon juice or vinegar) to the baking soda and observe what happens.
This experiment can also help you determine if your baking soda has lost its leavening power. If it doesn’t fizz immediately and vigorously, the baking soda is probably decomposed and will need to be replaced with a new box.