Final answer:
Antacids, which are bases, neutralize excess stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn and indigestion. They work by interacting with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach, producing reactions that yield less acidic or neutral substances. This is a practical demonstration of the significance of pH balance in everyday life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stomach secretes a solution of hydrochloric acid (~0.03 M HCl) that assists in digestion. However, discomfort or 'burning' sensations known as heartburn occur when this acid seeps into the esophagus, as its lining isn't equipped to handle the corrosive properties of stomach acid. Antacids such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or Milk of Magnesia (Mg(OH)2) can help mitigate these symptoms. These antacids are bases, and they function by reacting with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
For example, the reaction of calcium carbonate with hydrochloric acid can be represented as: CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) = CaCl2 (aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g). This reaction not only neutralizes stomach acid, but also produces carbon dioxide gas that may result in a relieving belch.
Similarly, other antacids work like buffers, with ions capable of absorbing hydrogen and moderating pH, thus relieving heartburn symptoms. This application of chemistry in everyday life shows how the balance of pH is integral to sustaining life on Earth. Therefore, antacids neutralize the excess acid in the stomach, relieving the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
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