Which chemical reaction is the slowest?
A. Drain cleaner fizzes up as it encounters blockages in a pipe.
B. Milk turns sour.
C. Cake rises as it cooks in the oven.
D. Baking soda and vinegar react.



Answer :

The slowest chemical reaction among the options provided is "B. Milk turns sour." Here's an explanation: 1. When milk turns sour, it is due to a chemical reaction caused by the presence of bacteria in the milk. 2. The bacteria feed on the lactose (sugar) in the milk and produce lactic acid as a byproduct. 3. This lactic acid lowers the pH of the milk, making it acidic and causing the sour taste and smell. Comparing this to the other options: - A. Drain cleaner fizzing up as it encounters blockages in a pipe involves a rapid chemical reaction between the cleaner and the blockage. - C. Cake rising as it cooks in the oven involves various reactions such as leavening agents (like baking powder) producing gas to make the cake rise. - D. Baking soda and vinegar reacting is also a relatively fast reaction where carbon dioxide gas is produced. Therefore, out of the given options, the process of milk turning sour involves a slower chemical reaction compared to the others listed.