Which one of the following is the chemical formula of Washing Soda ?

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NaHCO₃

Na₂CO₃·10H₂O

Na₂CO₃·5H₂O

NaOH

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2018

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The correct answer is B) Na₂CO₃·10H₂O.

Washing soda is the common name for hydrated sodium carbonate. While anhydrous sodium carbonate is Na₂CO₃ (soda ash), the most common hydrated form used as washing soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, with the chemical formula Na₂CO₃·10H₂O. This compound contains ten molecules of water of crystallization per molecule of sodium carbonate.

Sodium carbonate is used in various applications, including as a water softener (hence “washing soda”), in glass manufacturing, in the production of detergents and other chemicals. Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) is baking soda, which is different and used as a leavening agent and antacid. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is caustic soda, a strong base used in soap making and other industrial processes.

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