Question

4. Neutralization of an acid with a base and vice versa is very useful in our everyday life.
Some applications are described below. Justify the following:
a. Consumption of milk of magnesia during indigestion.
b. Rubbing of baking soda on an ant sting, to get quick relief.
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Answer 1

Answer:

(a) A common antacid used for curing indigestion due to acidity is milk of magnesia. Milk of magnesia contains a base called magnesium hydroxide. Magnesium hydroxide neutralizes the excess acid present in the stomach and cures indigestion

(b)Ant sting or bee sting contains formic acid. Bee or ant injects formic acid into our skin, while biting. Rubbing baking soda over the skin gives relief from pain due to ant or bee sting. Baking soda, which is a base, neutralizes the effect of acid injected by bee or ant.