Antacids and Neutralization Reactions

BACKGROUND

Indigestion and heartburn are the symptoms resulting when the amount of hydrogen ions exceeds
a certain concentration (i.e.: you have too much acid in your stomach).  One method to relieve
these symptoms is to neutralize the excess acid with a non-toxic chemical reagent that maintains
the contents of the stomach at an appropriate concentration of acid.

Purpose:

To study the changes in pH during a neutralization reaction and to determine whether a

name brand antacid (Maalox) is more effective then the generic brand (Life Brand Milk of
Magnesia).

Materials and Equipment:

 2 samples of antacids (Maalox and Rexall Brand Milk of Magnesia)

 hydrochloric acid
 2 beakers
 stirring rod
 transfer pipette
 pH paper (litmus)

Antacid Lab Questions: