How does neutralization occur

How does carbon dioxide change the acid-base condition of a solution? Why do strong acids have a low pH? Is neutralization a double replacement reaction? Why is NaH a strong base? Is HBr a strong acid? Such a solution is called a neutral solution. Complete neutralization can take place when a strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid, HCl, is mixed with a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide, NaOH.

Strong acids and strong bases completely break up, or dissociate, into their constituent ions when they dissolve in water. The hydrogen and hydroxide ions readily unite to form water. Neutralisation A chemical reaction happens if you mix together an acid and a base. Metal oxides Metal oxides act as bases. Metal carbonates Most carbonates are usually insoluble they do not dissolve in water. Your stomach contains hydrochloric acid, and too much of this causes indigestion.

Antacid tablets contain bases such as magnesium hydroxide and magnesium carbonate to neutralise the extra acid. Bee stings are acidic. They can be neutralised using baking powder, which contains sodium hydrogen carbonate. For instance, most plants cannot grow well in soil that is naturally acidic. So, farmers add fertilizers that are heavy in bases such as limestone to neutralize the acidity of the soil.

Antacid medication is another example of neutralization. People turn to these over-the-counter medications when they are experiencing heartburn or indigestion. Heartburn is a bit of a misnomer, since it is actually caused by an excess of stomach acids, not by any irregularity in your heart. A wide variety of food and drinks, including red wine, spicy foods, citrus and caffeine can all cause stomach acid to build up in some people.

Popular antacids on the market, such as Alka-Seltzer, Milk of Magnesia and Pepto-Bismol all treat stomach acid with a dose of weak, easily digestible bases to neutralize the extra acid in your stomach. The most common ones used are hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates.

Rachelle Dragani is a freelance writer based in Brooklyn with extensive experience covering the latest innovation and development in the world of science. Updated March 28,