Baking powder used to make cake is a mixture of starch, `NaHCO_(3)` and `Ca(H_(2)PO_(4))_(2^.)` The function of `Ca(H_(2)PO_(4))_(2)` is

Options

A. to show down the release of `CO_(2)` gas
B. being acidic in nature and gives `CO_(2)` when moistened with `NaHCO_(3)`
C. to act as a filler
D. None of these

Answer

To determine the function of calcium dihydrogen phosphate, \( Ca(H_2PO_4)_2 \), in baking powder, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Components of Baking Powder
Baking powder typically consists of three main components: starch, sodium bicarbonate (\( NaHCO_3 \)), and calcium dihydrogen phosphate (\( Ca(H_2PO_4)_2 \)).

### Step 2: Understand the Nature of Calcium Dihydrogen Phosphate
Calcium dihydrogen phosphate is an acidic compound. This property is important because it interacts with the alkaline component, sodium bicarbonate.

### Step 3: Reaction Between Calcium Dihydrogen Phosphate and Sodium Bicarbonate
When calcium dihydrogen phosphate is mixed with sodium bicarbonate, a chemical reaction occurs. The acidic \( Ca(H_2PO_4)_2 \) reacts with the alkaline \( NaHCO_3 \) to produce carbon dioxide (\( CO_2 \)), water, and a salt. The reaction can be summarized as follows:
\[ Ca(H_2PO_4)_2 + 2 NaHCO_3 \rightarrow CaHPO_4 + 2 CO_2 + 2 H_2O \]

### Step 4: Function of the Produced Carbon Dioxide
The carbon dioxide gas produced during the reaction is what causes the dough or batter to rise. This is essential for the texture of baked goods, making them light and fluffy.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, the function of calcium dihydrogen phosphate in baking powder is to react with sodium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas when moistened, which helps in the leavening process of baked products.

### Final Answer
The function of \( Ca(H_2PO_4)_2 \) in baking powder is to provide an acidic environment that reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce \( CO_2 \), which helps in the rising of baked products.

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