Anthony Corrado, age 13, of Lancaster, Pa., for his question:

WHAT IS BAKING SODA?

Although it is generally known as baking soda, sodium bicarbonate is the proper name for this wonderful product that is used in baking and also as a medicine for upset stomachs.

Sodium bicarbonate is one of the most common and most widely used salts of sodium.

The product's action in baking depends on the release of carbon dioxide as a gas. When an acid material such as sour milk is added in the baking process, carbon dioxide is released and trapped in the dough and in this manner causes bread and cakes to rise.

Sodium hydrogen carbonate is another name for this fine product. Its molecular weight is 84 and NaHC03 is its chemical formula.