Question

Bee stings can be treated with:
(a) vinegar
(b) sodium hydrogencarbonate
(c) potassium hydroxide
(d) lemon juice

Answer 1

(b) sodium hydrogencarbonate

When a bee stings a person, it injects an acidic solution into the person’s skin, which causes severe pain and an itching sensation. Applying a baking soda solution (sodium hydrogencarbonate solution, which is a base) soothes the pain by neutralising the acid.