Question detail
Describe how calcium carbonate neutralises acidity and its application in antacid tablets.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
Question
Describe how calcium carbonate neutralises acidity and its application in antacid tablets.
Answer
Calcium carbonate reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce calcium chloride, carbon dioxide, and water: CaCO3 + 2HCl → CaCl2 + CO2 + H2O. This reaction helps to relieve heartburn by neutralising excess stomach acid.
Explanation
This answer illustrates the chemical reaction involved in the neutralisation process, linking it to the practical use of calcium carbonate in antacid tablets. It assesses the student's ability to relate chemical concepts to real-world 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.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.