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Which of the following compounds is used as an antacid?
Calcium oxide
Calcium hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide
Sodium chloride
Magnesium hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide, commonly known as milk of magnesia, is used as an antacid to neutralize excess acidity in the stomach. It is a mild base that reacts with stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) to alleviate indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux.
Magnesium hydroxide, commonly known as milk of magnesia, is used as an antacid to neutralize excess acidity in the stomach. It is a mild base that reacts with stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) to alleviate indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux.
Think of it like adding a mild base to a sour, acidic lemon drink to balance its taste and make it neutral; it does the same for your stomach.
M-A-G (Magnesium: Antacid-Generalizer).
Mg(OH)2тАЛ тАФ Magnesium hydroxide
HCl тАФ Hydrochloric acid
Mg(OH)2тАЛ+2HClтЖТMgCl2тАЛ+2H2тАЛO тАФ Neutralization reaction
The antacid acts by performing a neutralization reaction between a base and an acid. When magnesium hydroxide is ingested, it reacts with the excess HCl in the stomach to form magnesium chloride and water, thereby reducing the acidity levels according to the chemical equation: Mg(OH)2тАЛ+2HClтЖТMgCl2тАЛ+2H2тАЛO.
Antacids are weak bases that neutralize excessive gastric acid.
Stomach acidity is primarily caused by HCl secreted by gastric glands.
Magnesium hydroxide is preferred because it is non-systemic and relatively safe for short-term use.
Fast-acting relief for heartburn
Effective at neutralizing high pH variations
Can act as a laxative if consumed in large quantities
May interfere with the absorption of certain medications
Treatment of occasional indigestion
Relief of symptoms associated with gastric ulcers
Calcium oxide (quicklime) is caustic and unsuitable for internal use.
Calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) is too basic and generally not used as a primary antacid.
Sodium chloride is common table salt and is not an antacid.
C is correct тАФ Magnesium hydroxide acts as a mild base that neutralizes excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
Remember that all effective antacids must be basic in nature; if you encounter a question on this, eliminate salts (like NaCl) and strong, corrosive bases (like CaO) immediately.