baking powder vs. soda

I have always wondered what the difference between the two is, since all the recipes seem to call for one specific thing over the other, though they look the same. Both cause the dough to rise by releasing carbon dioxide.

Baking powder
includes an acidifying and a drying agent
includes baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch
used in cakes, biscuit recipes

Baking soda
is sodium bicarbonate
is bitter taste if no acidifying agent is included in the mix
used in cookie recipes

Baking soda's so versatile-y useful in non-cooking situations too! Like cleaning stuff, reduce odor, relieve sunburn, and even put out fire.

I made strawberry shortcakes yesterday and made the whipping cream too:

Mmmmm, delicious!