Question detail
Explain how magnesium hydroxide can be used to neutralise acidity in the stomach.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
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exam_style
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Topic
Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
Question
Explain how magnesium hydroxide can be used to neutralise acidity in the stomach.
Answer
Magnesium hydroxide reacts with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form magnesium chloride and water, effectively neutralising the acid. The reaction can be represented as: Mg(OH)2 + 2HCl → MgCl2 + 2H2O.
Explanation
This answer demonstrates understanding of the neutralisation reaction between magnesium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid, which is relevant for explaining its use as an antacid. It tests the ability to connect chemical reactions to practical applications.
Common mistake
Neutralising Acidity with Magnesium Hydroxide
Students often confuse the roles of magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate in neutralising acidity, thinking they are interchangeable.
To clarify, magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) is a strong base that reacts with acids to form water and a salt, while calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) reacts to produce carbon dioxide, water, and a salt. The reaction for magnesium hydroxide can be represented as: Mg(OH)₂ + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + 2H₂O. Here, substitution shows that 1 mole of magnesium hydroxide neutralises 2 moles of hydrochloric acid, resulting in 1 mole of magnesium chloride and 2 moles of water. The conclusion is that magnesium hydroxide is effective for neutralising acidity due to its strong basic properties.
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