Which salt is commonly used as an antacid to relieve indigestion caused by excess stomach acid?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: NaHCO₃
Sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO₃, also called baking soda, is a mild basic salt. It neutralises excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach according to the reaction NaHCO₃ + HCl → NaCl + H₂O + CO₂. NaCl is neutral, CaSO₄ is not the usual antacid, and sodium carbonate is too strongly alkaline for this common use. Hence option B is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
NaHCO₃
Why is this the correct answer?
Sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO₃, also called baking soda, is a mild basic salt. It neutralises excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach according to the reaction NaHCO₃ + HCl → NaCl + H₂O + CO₂. NaCl is neutral, CaSO₄ is not the usual antacid, and sodium carbonate is too strongly alkaline for this common use. Hence option B is correct.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.
