Question

A first aid manual suggests that vinegar should be used to treat wasp Sting and baking soda for bee stings.1 what does this information tell you about the chemical nature of the wasp Stings. 2. If there were no baking soda in the house, what other household substance could you use to treat bee stings?

Answer 1

1. Since vinegar (acetic acid) is used to heal or neutralize the effect of wasp stings, this means the chemical present in the stings must be some base. Since bee stings are treated by baking soda which is a base, this means they must contain some acid in the stings.

2. If baking soda is not available in the house, solution of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) can be used for the same purpose.