Explain importance of pH in everyday life.Answer the following questions in detail.
Answers
1. pH in our digestive system
Our stomach produces HCL and This HCL acid helps in digesting our food without harming the stomach.Sometimes excess of acid is produced in the stomach and The excess acid in the stomach causes indigestion which produces pain and irritation.In order to cure indigestion, we can take bases called antacids. Being basic in nature, antacid react with excess acid in the stomach and neutralises it. The two common antacids are Milk of Magnesia (Magnesium Hydroxide)and Sodium Bicarbonate(Baking soda)
2.pH change as the cause of tooth decay
When we eat food containing sugar, then the bacteria present in our mouth break down the sugar to form acids.This acid lowers the pH in the mouth.Tooth decay starts when the pH of acid formed in the mouth falls below 5.5.This is because then the acid becomes strong enough to attack the enamel of our teeth and corrode it.This sets in tooth decay.The best way to prevent tooth decay is to clean the mouth thoroughly after eating food.
3. Self Defence by animals and plants through chemical warfare
Many animals and plants protect themselves from enemies by injecting painful and irritating acids and bases into their skin.
When honey bee stings a person, it injects an acidic liquid into the skin.Rubbing with mild base like baking soda solution on the stung area of the skin gives relief.
When a wasp stings,it injects an alkaline liquid into the skin.Then rubbing with a mild acid like vinegar on the stung area of the skin gives relief.