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Testing antacid lab_-_discussion_and_conclusion

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Abbinaya Helbig
Abbinaya Helbig

This document discusses an experiment testing the effectiveness of different antacid tablets by measuring the amount of hydrochloric acid (HCl) needed to neutralize samples of the antacids. Key aspects of the experiment included properly stirring mixtures to ensure thorough reactions and using an indicator to determine the pH level achieved. The results showed that while baking soda neutralized the most HCl, products like Eno and Tums were more effective antacids because they required less HCl to neutralize and were safer for the stomach in smaller doses over time.

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Testing Antacids Abinaya Helbig PERFORMED 03/11/2010 SUBMITTED 03/24/2010 SNC2D0-G Mr. Shaughnessy, J.
Discussion Stirring is major part of the lab because this activity gives a somewhat accurate data for the antacids. However, if the mixture was not stirred properly as the acid (HCl) was added, the mixture may not get mixed thoroughly and some part of the liquid may still remain acidic. In other words, only few particles of the acid react with the particles of the base and the rest would be unable to neutralize the acid, to accurately measure the pH of 2, resulting in an incomplete neutralization reaction which will display incorrect data. So stirring the mixture as the acid is added, is vital/ necessary for the somewhat accuracy of the data. Another major part of the lab is the indicator (used red cabbage juice instead of universal indictor) this is because the lab was supposed to be similar to the neutralizing acid in a human stomach. Since the stomach has an approximate pH level of 2, all the antacid tablets are supposed to be measured the pH of 2, using HCl. However, just adding HCl into the antacid+ water solution does not indicate the pH level, because the solution stays clear or just fizzes. In order to determine whether the pH is 2, an indicator is required, where color changes occur depending on the pH level. Therefore, the color of the indicator changed when the acid was added because it demonstrated that pH of the mixture is not neutral any more (it is either basic or acidic). To make it easier, scientists tested the pH indicator and verified which color represents what pH level/ number. There is a variety of antacids available to people and each have different characteristics to satisfy the customer's preferences.For a scenario, would someone want an antacid to dissolve in the stomach instantly or over a period of time? The most reasonable answer would be, over a period of time. This would be a better choice because the stomach lining is replaced every few days and if the antacid dissolves instantly it can create other side effects. The reason for this is because the human stomach is accustomed to dissolving substances over a period of time. As stated above, to satisfy the customers' preferences, same medications are produced in the form of a liquid and in a form of a solid (tablet). However each type has its own benefit. One possible advantage of liquid medicines over solid medicines is that it takes its effects really quickly. In other words, it can react faster and can bring results faster, but the solid medicine will take some time to dissolve. On possible advantage of solid medicine over liquid medicine is that it does not have unpleasant tastes, like the liquid medicine. When choosing an antacid, there are certain variables that should be taken in consideration, things such as, ingredients that might trigger allergic reactions, the pH level of the tablet and the cost. Cost is just a minor thing to consider, but it is important because someone could purchase an antacid for $50 and it might not even be useful. Conclusion The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the different types of commercial antacid tablets were effective, meaning that they did not neutralize too much or too little of the stomach solution. As the hypothesis states baking soda (NaHCO3) and Rolaids (CaCO3+ Mg(OH)2) require the most acid (HCl) to neutralize 1 gram of antacid (see Table 4. for evidence). In addition all antacid are not equally effective because antacids consist of other chemical ingredients, which may affect the neutralization and quicken or slow down the process. It is also important to know that if there is a great proportion of the active ingredient with stronger base in an antacid tablet, the neutralizing power will be greater. After conducting this investigation the hypothesis was proven to be right. The baking soda neutralizes more HCl (stomach acid), however it turns out to be that antacid tablets (Eno, Tums, Gaviscon) were much effective because of the less number of acid require for neutralization. Refer to Table 4. , baking soda neutralizes a lot of acid and since it is biologically not recommended to completely neutralize the acid content in the stomach, baking soda is not effective neither beneficial. For a scenario, if a person would consume too much of baking soda at a daily basis, that individual could actually be in danger of changing the pH of the stomach and blood. At the same time that individual can become vulnerable of being a victim of more serious health conditions. This is because the frequent intake of baking soda irritates the throat and stomach lining. Therefore, antacids are a better choice for stomach ulcers and heartburn, especially Eno and Tums. These two antacids only require a small amount of HCl (Eno - 43 drops/ gram & Tums -78 drops/ gram).

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Testing antacid lab_-_discussion_and_conclusion

  • 1. Testing Antacids Abinaya Helbig PERFORMED 03/11/2010 SUBMITTED 03/24/2010 SNC2D0-G Mr. Shaughnessy, J.
  • 2. Discussion Stirring is major part of the lab because this activity gives a somewhat accurate data for the antacids. However, if the mixture was not stirred properly as the acid (HCl) was added, the mixture may not get mixed thoroughly and some part of the liquid may still remain acidic. In other words, only few particles of the acid react with the particles of the base and the rest would be unable to neutralize the acid, to accurately measure the pH of 2, resulting in an incomplete neutralization reaction which will display incorrect data. So stirring the mixture as the acid is added, is vital/ necessary for the somewhat accuracy of the data. Another major part of the lab is the indicator (used red cabbage juice instead of universal indictor) this is because the lab was supposed to be similar to the neutralizing acid in a human stomach. Since the stomach has an approximate pH level of 2, all the antacid tablets are supposed to be measured the pH of 2, using HCl. However, just adding HCl into the antacid+ water solution does not indicate the pH level, because the solution stays clear or just fizzes. In order to determine whether the pH is 2, an indicator is required, where color changes occur depending on the pH level. Therefore, the color of the indicator changed when the acid was added because it demonstrated that pH of the mixture is not neutral any more (it is either basic or acidic). To make it easier, scientists tested the pH indicator and verified which color represents what pH level/ number. There is a variety of antacids available to people and each have different characteristics to satisfy the customer's preferences.For a scenario, would someone want an antacid to dissolve in the stomach instantly or over a period of time? The most reasonable answer would be, over a period of time. This would be a better choice because the stomach lining is replaced every few days and if the antacid dissolves instantly it can create other side effects. The reason for this is because the human stomach is accustomed to dissolving substances over a period of time. As stated above, to satisfy the customers' preferences, same medications are produced in the form of a liquid and in a form of a solid (tablet). However each type has its own benefit. One possible advantage of liquid medicines over solid medicines is that it takes its effects really quickly. In other words, it can react faster and can bring results faster, but the solid medicine will take some time to dissolve. On possible advantage of solid medicine over liquid medicine is that it does not have unpleasant tastes, like the liquid medicine. When choosing an antacid, there are certain variables that should be taken in consideration, things such as, ingredients that might trigger allergic reactions, the pH level of the tablet and the cost. Cost is just a minor thing to consider, but it is important because someone could purchase an antacid for $50 and it might not even be useful. Conclusion The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the different types of commercial antacid tablets were effective, meaning that they did not neutralize too much or too little of the stomach solution. As the hypothesis states baking soda (NaHCO3) and Rolaids (CaCO3+ Mg(OH)2) require the most acid (HCl) to neutralize 1 gram of antacid (see Table 4. for evidence). In addition all antacid are not equally effective because antacids consist of other chemical ingredients, which may affect the neutralization and quicken or slow down the process. It is also important to know that if there is a great proportion of the active ingredient with stronger base in an antacid tablet, the neutralizing power will be greater. After conducting this investigation the hypothesis was proven to be right. The baking soda neutralizes more HCl (stomach acid), however it turns out to be that antacid tablets (Eno, Tums, Gaviscon) were much effective because of the less number of acid require for neutralization. Refer to Table 4. , baking soda neutralizes a lot of acid and since it is biologically not recommended to completely neutralize the acid content in the stomach, baking soda is not effective neither beneficial. For a scenario, if a person would consume too much of baking soda at a daily basis, that individual could actually be in danger of changing the pH of the stomach and blood. At the same time that individual can become vulnerable of being a victim of more serious health conditions. This is because the frequent intake of baking soda irritates the throat and stomach lining. Therefore, antacids are a better choice for stomach ulcers and heartburn, especially Eno and Tums. These two antacids only require a small amount of HCl (Eno - 43 drops/ gram & Tums -78 drops/ gram).