Question

The base used in making antacids is
(A) calcium hydroxide
(B) sodium hydroxide
(C) magnesium hydroxide
(D) barium hydroxide

Answer 1

Hint: The major types of bases that are used to make antacid are the bases of the form of carbonates and hydroxides. They help to neutralize the acids generated in the stomach. As the reaction occurs in the stomach, the base should be weak and not strong.

Complete step by step solution:
-Acid reflux is the name given to the formation of acids in the stomach leading to acidity. They cause burning sensations in the stomach and may also lead to inflammations. Since they are acids, they can be neutralized by bases as the bases react with acids to form neutralization reactions.
-Neutralisation reactions release water and salt as byproducts and so are not harmful to our body in any form. So we use bases for the treatment. Such bases are called antacids. They counter the acids in the stomach.
-There are many bases available to us. The question which concerns us is what bases can we use for countering the acids in the stomach. The acids in the stomach are not formed in concentrated amounts. So we need weak bases.
-There are many types of antacids that can be used. Mainly carbonates and hydroxides are used for that purpose. Some of the antacids include aluminium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium hydroxide, etc.
-Among the following options given in the question, only magnesium hydroxide matches with the list of various antacids that can be used to remove the acids of the stomach.

Therefore the correct option is (C).

Note: Calcium carbonate is the best antacid that can be used to neutralize the effect of acids in the stomach. Acids in the stomach have a pH of about 1 and so the pH of antacids is generally 10. This gives the pH of the final reaction to be nearly 7 which is considered to be neutral and is desired by us.