Question

Answer the following questions :
(a)What do you think will be the pH in the stomach of a person suffering from indigestion, less than $ 7 $ or more than $ 7 $ $ ? $
(b)What do you think will be the pH of an antacid solution: less than $ 7 $ or more than $ 7 $ $ ? $
(c)How does an antacid work $ ? $
(d)Name two common antacids.

Answer 1

Hint: Indigestion or dyspepsia occurs due to the complication in food digestion. It cannot be considered as a disease but a symptom of other digestive disorders. Poor and unhealthy eating habits, smoking and consumption of alcohol can also be the major reasons for indigestion. A person suffering from indigestion may have a feeling of fullness after a meal and also have bloating and burning sensation in the upper abdomen.

Complete answer:
(a)Indigestion or upset stomach occurs when excess acid is produced in the stomach. Therefore, the pH in the stomach of a person suffering from indigestion will be less than $ 7 $ due to the acidic environment.
(b)Antacids are mild bases that are used to treat acidity in the stomach and therefore its pH will be greater than $ 7 $ .
(c)As mentioned above, antacids are mild bases. They neutralise the excess acid produced in the stomach by reacting with them.
(d)Magnesium hydroxide $ (Mg{(OH)_2}) $ - commonly known as milk of magnesia, and sodium bicarbonate $ (NaHC{O_3}) $ - commonly known as baking soda , are examples of antacids.

Note:
One thing that has to be kept in mind is that indigestion is not caused by excess stomach acid.
Acids and bases react to form salt and water. This reaction is known as the neutralisation reaction.
Sodium bicarbonate and aluminium hydroxide are examples of weak antacids, while magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate are stronger antacids.
Antacids should be administered only under the prescription of a doctor since it can develop allergic reactions in a few. Overdose or over usage can cause nausea, vomiting and even kidney stones.