A useful example of a neutralisation reaction is when indigestion tablets neutralise stomach acid.
Understanding Neutralisation Reactions
Neutralisation reactions are fundamental chemical processes. They occur when an acid and a base react with each other, typically producing a salt and water. This reaction effectively cancels out the acidic and basic properties of the reactants.
The provided reference highlights that neutralisation reactions are a type of chemical reaction that occur when an acid and a base react with each other to produce a salt and water.
Practical Applications
Neutralisation reactions have numerous practical applications in everyday life and industry. They are used for:
- Controlling pH levels
- Waste treatment
- Soil conditioning
- Medical treatments
Let's look at a common household example.
Neutralising Stomach Acid with Indigestion Tablets
One very common and useful neutralisation reaction involves using indigestion tablets to relieve heartburn or indigestion.
- The Problem: When we experience indigestion or heartburn, it's often due to an excess of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid, HCl). This acid irritates the lining of the stomach or esophagus.
- The Solution: Indigestion tablets, often called antacids, contain bases (like magnesium hydroxide or calcium carbonate). When you take an antacid, the base reacts with the excess stomach acid.
This reaction neutralises the acid, reducing the acidity in the stomach and providing relief from the symptoms of indigestion. This aligns perfectly with the reference which states, "Common household examples of neutralisation reactions include indigestion tablets neutralising stomach acid..."
How the Reaction Works
The general principle is Acid + Base → Salt + Water.
For example, if the antacid contains magnesium hydroxide (a base) and reacts with hydrochloric acid (stomach acid):
Mg(OH)₂ (base) + 2HCl (acid) → MgCl₂ (salt) + 2H₂O (water)
The harmful acid is converted into harmless salt and water.
Summary of the Indigestion Example
| Reactants | Type | Role in Indigestion |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Acid (HCl) | Acid | Causes irritation |
| Indigestion Tablet | Base | Neutralises acid |
This specific example from the reference demonstrates a practical and useful application of neutralisation in human health. Another common household example mentioned is baking soda neutralising vinegar, often used in simple science experiments or cleaning.
Using indigestion tablets is a direct and effective way to manage discomfort caused by excess acidity through the power of a neutralisation reaction.
