AnswersDescription of Interactive
This experiment will allow you to identify which antacid is most effective at relieving heartburn.
A tablet from three different bottle of antacids is dropped into three different beakers of 50 ml of hydrochloric acid, each with the same unknown pH. As each antacid is dropped, it begins to fizz and eventually dissolves.
A single strip of universal indicator paper is dipped into each solution, one strip per beaker. The strips will change colour indicating the pH of each solution. Then the strip colours are compared to the universal chart to determine the pH level. The results are:
pH solution with Antacid A: pH 4
pH solution with Antacid B: pH 6
pH solution with Antacid C: pH 7
Answer the following questions.
1. Which beaker contains the most acidic solution? Explain your reasoning using the results from the experiment.
2. Which antacid is more effective at relieving heartburn? Explain your reasoning using the results from the experiment.
Check your answers and make any corrections or additions.
AnswersThe beaker that contains the most acidic solution is beaker A. Substances with pH values of 0 to 6 are considered acidic. The lower the number within this range on the pH scale, the more acidic a substance is. Since beaker A had the lowest pH value out of all three beakers at 4, this is the most acidic solution.
The antacid that is the most effective at relieving heartburn is Antacid C, due to the neutralized pH value of 7. An effective antacid would neutralize (a pH value of 7) any stomach acid, leaving the person with zero pain. Since Antacid A and Antacid B left the solution acidic, with pH values of 4 and 6, these would not be effective antacids because the person would still feel the acidic burn.