To find out from a range of tablets which tablet is the best one to neutralise hydrochloric acid.

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Science coursework

Neutralisation:

The King  

Of

Remedies

By

Nazreen Kosar Hussain

Planning

Task Title  

To find out from a range of tablets which tablet is the best one to neutralise hydrochloric acid.

Aim

My aim is to determine which tablet is the best for stomach acid (neutralises the most hydrochloric acid).

Scientific Background

Acids and Alkalis

Many of the substances that we use today are made up of either acids or alkalis. These are two chemical opposites.

        Most acids are liquids. They are very corrosive and can kill or burn skin cells, bacteria etc. Acids taste sharp and sour. Strong acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid etc release hydrogen quickly whilst weaker acids such as citric acid and carbonic acid release hydrogen slowly. Strong acids measure at 1 or 2 on the pH scale and weak acids measure at 5 or 6 (The pH is a number on a scale which shows how acidic or alkaline a substance is).

Most pure alkalis are solid. Like acids they are also very corrosive. Most feel soapy but some can burn flesh. Strong acids measure 13 or 14 on the pH scale and weak acids measure 8 or 9.

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Alkalis neutralise acids. At this point their pH level becomes 7 and they are known as neutral.

(acid + alkali  neutral solution)

        

        

(pH Scale)
Hydrochloric acid/stomach acid
        When your stomach wall makes too much hydrochloric acid you end up with a stomach-ache. Normally you are given an alkaline tablet to neutralise the acid.

Universal Indicator

        Universal indicator can be in the form of paper or liquid. It is used to show whether something is neutralised or whether it is an acid or alkali. E.g. if the indicator goes red it is acidic.

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