A gas is evolved when sodium carbonate reacts with propanoic acid. Write the balanced chemical equation between the two given reactants. Show the acidic nature of propanoic acid by any two methods.

Explanation

`2CH_3CH_2overset(O)overset(||)(C )-OH+ Na_2CO_3 to 2CH_3CH_2overset(O)overset(||)(C )-O^(-)Na^(+) + H_2O + CO_2`
The other tests that can be used to check acidity of propanoic acid are:
a) Litmus test: propanoic acid turns blue litmus red.
b] Reaction with sodiuin: When propanoic acid reacts with a highly reactive metal like sodium, it undergoes displacement reaction, releasing hydrogen.
`CH_3CH_2overset(O)overset(||)(C ) -OH+Na to CH_3CH_2overset(O)overset(||)(C )-O^(-)Na^(+) + 1//2H_2`.
c] Reaction with a base: When propanoic acid reacts with an alkali like sodium hydroxide, it undergoes neutralization reaction, forming sodium propanoate and water.