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Sodium carbonate

The chemical formula for sodium carbonate is Na2CO3. This is normally used in glass manufacture. To manufacture glass using sodium carbonate, it is heated to high temperature along with sand and calcium carbonate. The mixture is cooled rapidly to produce glass. Sodium carbonate is a string base and it finds its applications in various chemical reactions. Developing agents manufacturing process require stable alkaline conditions and to maintain such conditions, sodium carbonate is used.

To reduce acidic effects, sodium carbonate is added so that it increases the pH level. Municipal pools that use chlorine as a disinfectant also use sodium carbonate to reduce the acidic properties of chlorine. Kitchens also use sodium carbonate for lying. This increases pH level of the food enhancing browning. In historical and biological studies, sodium carbonate with boiling water is used to remove flush from bones to create skull mount.

In the places where salt based electrolytes are needed in chemical reactions, sodium carbonate is used. In the process of electrolysis, usage of chlorine gas results in corruption of anode. This can be avoided with the use of sodium carbonate as an electrolyte.

Sodium carbonate is commonly used in homes as a water softener while washing clothes. The presence of minerals such as calcium and magnesium makes the water hard and hard water needs additional amount of detergents. When sodium carbonate called as washing soda is used, the hardness is reduced and laundry is cleaned efficiently. Brick industry uses sodium carbonate to reduce water content in clay.
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