What is the easiest way to clean a burnt pan? Does baking soda really work?

OK, so I found these two questions, which kind of helped me: Baking powder and baking soda? For what is baking soda used in cooking? But I still have a query... I was making blu …

Is baking soda needed to make oatmeal cookies, and can a substitution ingredient be added instead?

How much baking soda should I add while making pan cakes?

What is the difference? Can you interchange these in a recipe? Thanks :)