Question

Antacids contain

• A. weak base
• B. weak acid
• C. strong base
• D. strong acid

Answer 1

The correct option is A

weak base

The explanation for the correct option (A):

• Antacid is a medication that is used to treat indigestion caused by too much Hydrochloric acid ($\mathrm{HCl}$) production in the stomach. Heartburn is caused by stomach acidity, and antacids are used to reduce discomfort.
• Antacids contain a weak or mild base that neutralizes the action of acid. Due to this reason, they are used to treat stomach acidity.
• Examples of Antacids: Calcium carbonate (${\mathrm{CaCO}}_3$) and Magnesium hydroxide ($\mathrm{Mg}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2$).
• The reaction between a weak base ($\mathrm{Mg}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2$) and ($\mathrm{HCl}$) is:

$\mathrm{Mg}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+2\mathrm{HCl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to {\mathrm{MgCl}}_2\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)$

Final Answer: Hence, option (A) is correct. Antacids contain a weak base.