Question

Explain why?
a)Calamine solution is applied on the skin when an ant bits.
b)Factory waste is neutralized before disposing it into water bodies. [5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Each point: 2.5 Marks

a)The sting of an ant contains formic acid which causes irritation on the skin. Calamine solution contains zinc carbonate which is a base. Calamine solution neutralizes the acid effect of the ant bite when applied on the skin.

b)The wastes coming out from factories contain acids. If they are allowed to flow into the water bodies, the acids will kill the organisms living in water bodies. Therefore it is very important to neutralize the wastes coming from factories before disposing it into water bodies