Question

Milk of magnesia $Mg(OH)_ {2}$ is a/an:
(A) acid
(B) antacid
(C) alkali
(D) rock salt

Answer 1

Hint As the name milk of magnesia suggests, it contains magnesium which is a naturally occurring mineral. Human body requires magnesium for proper functioning. Milk of magnesia is magnesium hydroxide which is considered as a strong electrolyte.

Complete step by step answer:
- Milk of magnesia is alkaline in nature.
- It is a weak base and available in the form of liquid or tablets in medical stores.
- Milk of magnesia is used as a laxative relief from constipation and it makes digestion easy. - It is also known to give relief from heartburn.
- As we all know that when acid and base react they produce salt and water. So it has the ability to neutralize stomach acid, i.e., HCl.
- It can reduce the stomach acid by increasing water in the intestines.
- It can be taken by milk or water. So milk of magnesia is used as an antacid.

Therefore, the answer to the question is (B) antacid.

Additional information: An antacid or acid neutralizer is a kind of substance which kills stomach acidity and is utilized to diminish indigestion, heartburn or an annoyed stomach. Acid neutralizers contain soluble particles that artificially kill stomach corrosives, lessening harm and soothing torment.

Note: We know that antacid neutralizes the excess acid in our stomach and gives relief from indigestion. Other examples of antacids are calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonates, aluminium hydroxide etc.