Final answer:
Calcium carbonate in chalk acts as an antacid, neutralizing stomach acid and alleviating indigestion by reacting with hydrochloric acid to produce calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide, which can lead to relief from bloating.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Does Calcium Carbonate Alleviate Acid Indigestion?
A small piece of chalk, made of calcium carbonate, may be useful for alleviating acid indigestion due to its ability to act as an antacid. When calcium carbonate (CaCO3) reacts with the hydrochloric acid (HCl) in stomach acid, it forms calcium chloride (CaCl2), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). This reaction effectively neutralizes the excess stomach acid, reducing the burning sensation associated with acid indigestion. Moreover, the production of carbon dioxide gas can lead to a belch, which might bring relief from bloating.
Chemistry in everyday life incorporates such interactions, emphasizing the practical applications of chemical reactions. Antacids like Tums contain calcium carbonate and work by neutralizing the stomach HCl, a simple proton transfer reaction that provides relief from conditions like heartburn. The use of chalk (calcium carbonate) as a remedy, illustrates a real-world application where chemistry aids in health and wellness.