i was curious, so i looked it up. "Sodium bicarbonate, referred to as "baking soda" is primarily used in cooking (baking), as a leavening agent. It reacts with acidic components in batters, releasing carbon dioxide, which causes expansion of the batter and forms the characteristic texture and grain in pancakes, cakes, quick breads, and other baked and fried foods. Acidic compounds that induce this reaction include phosphates, cream of tartar, lemon juice, yogurt, buttermilk, cocoa, vinegar, etc." as for cleaning, it wasn't specific as to why it was used, but it did list some ways to use it.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/2005-12/1134704664.Ch.q.html http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/2005-12/1134704664.Ch.r.html

by Anonymous 11 years ago

I misread "components in batters" as "components in batteries".

by Anonymous 11 years ago