Problem 81 - General Chemistry

Question

Sodium hydrogen carbonate, known commercially as baking soda, reacts with acidic materials such as vinegar to release carbon dioxide gas. An experiment calls for \(0.450 \mathrm{~kg}\) of sodium hydrogen carbonate. Express this mass in milligrams.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

0.450 kg is equal to 450,000 milligrams.

Step 1: Understand Unit Conversion Requirement

We need to convert the mass of sodium hydrogen carbonate from kilograms to milligrams. We know that there are 1,000 grams in a kilogram and 1,000 milligrams in a gram.

Step 2: Convert Kilograms to Grams

Since the mass of sodium hydrogen carbonate is given as \(0.450~\text{kg}\), we first convert it to grams. \[0.450~\text{kg} = 0.450 \times 1000~\text{grams} = 450~\text{grams}\]

Step 3: Convert Grams to Milligrams

Now, convert the mass from grams to milligrams. \[450~\text{grams} = 450 \times 1000~\text{milligrams} = 450,000~\text{milligrams}\]

Step 4: Summarize the Conversion

By performing these conversions, we find that \(0.450~\text{kg}\) of sodium hydrogen carbonate is equivalent to \(450,000~\text{milligrams}\).

Key Concepts

Mass Conversion

Understanding mass conversion is essential when dealing with different units of measurement in science. Mass is often expressed using a variety of units such as kilograms, grams, or milligrams.
The process of converting mass involves multiplying by conversion factors that relate one unit to another.
To convert from kilograms to grams, you multiply by 1,000 since there are 1,000 grams in a kilogram. Similarly, to convert from grams to milligrams, you again multiply by 1,000 as 1 gram equals 1,000 milligrams.

• Kilograms to grams: Multiply by 1,000.
• Grams to milligrams: Multiply by 1,000.

A simple multiplication can quickly and easily change how we express a given mass, which is pivotal in experiments or calculations that require precise measurements.

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate

Sodium hydrogen carbonate, also known as baking soda, is a chemical compound with a wide range of applications. It is commonly used in baking to help dough rise, as it releases carbon dioxide gas when it reacts with acidic substances. This property makes it quite valuable in cooking, cleaning, and various industrial applications.
Beyond its culinary uses, it's also important in science experiments, particularly when demonstrating chemical reactions.

• Reacts with acids to release carbon dioxide.
• Used in cooking to help dough rise.
• Acts as a mild abrasive in cleaning.

In our exercise, we need to carefully measure the mass of sodium hydrogen carbonate for accurate results, hence the need for precise unit conversions.

Metric System

The metric system is a universal method of measurement used around the world for its simplicity and logical structure based on powers of ten. In science and daily life, it provides a standardized way to measure quantities like length, mass, and volume.
One of the main advantages of the metric system is the ease with which one can convert between units. For mass, the primary units are kilograms, grams, and milligrams.

• Base unit: gram (g)
• 1 kilogram (kg) = 1,000 grams (g)
• 1 gram (g) = 1,000 milligrams (mg)

Understanding these basic conversions simplifies many tasks, from completing scientific calculations to navigating daily activities like cooking.