Antacids neutralize excess stomach acid, providing relief from indigestion. They do so by undergoing a neutralization reaction with the acid, forming salts and water.
How do antacids alleviate symptoms of indigestion, and what type of chemical reaction do they facilitate?
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Antacids alleviate symptoms of indigestion by neutralizing excess stomach acid. They contain bases, such as calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide, which react with the acidic hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The chemical reaction between the base and acid results in the formation of water and a salt. For example, with magnesium hydroxide:
Mg(OH)₂ + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + 2H₂O
This neutralization reaction increases the pH in the stomach, reducing acidity and providing relief from symptoms like heartburn. By raising the pH, antacids help restore a more balanced environment in the digestive system, mitigating discomfort associated with excessive stomach acid.