Final answer:
The common name for Calcium carbonate is Tums, which is used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid through a reaction forming calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common name for Calcium carbonate is Tums. This compound is used as an active ingredient in the antacid Tums to neutralize stomach acid. When Calcium carbonate reacts with hydrochloric acid (stomach acid), it forms calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide gas. The general chemical reaction is CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) = CaCl₂ (aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g). This reaction not only neutralizes stomach acid, but it also releases carbon dioxide gas which may result in a burp, providing some relief from bloating caused by the gas.
Calcium carbonate is also found in nature as limestone and is a component of various construction materials and is used in agriculture to neutralize acidic soils. In the field of medicine, apart from being an antacid, it serves as a calcium supplement. Calcium carbonate's chemical formula is CaCO3, which means it is a compound consisting of calcium, carbon, and oxygen with the ratio of atoms being 1:1:3.