a) During the workup of the reaction, an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate was added to the cooled reaction mixture. Why was this done

The purpose of adding an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate is either to extract a certain compound or to remove/neutralize acidic compounds present in the reaction mixture.

Explanation:

Upon adding sodium bicarbonate, carbon dioxide is released (gaseous state at room temperature), which helps build up pressure that is able to push out the unwanted gas/liquid.

in scientific notation, the value of the  speed of light in a vacuum

  will be written as 2.995 * 10^8. when this value is represented in the form of

  a * 10^b, then, a = 2.995 and b = 8.

the value of the speed of light in a vacuum given above can also be rounded up to approximately 300000000. in this case, the scientific notation will be written as 3 *10^8.

they it depends on if one believes about radioactivity, they make a geiger counter beep but maybe it was going to beep anyway electronics do wierd things all the time or it was programmed to beep near certain metals.