(2) Baking soda Explanation: Baking Soda is Sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate. It 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, soda bread, and other baked and fried foods.