Name: Chemical Properties of Bases
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 4 min 4 s
Description: You are already familiar with the physical properties of bases that they are bitter to taste and soapy to touch. Now explore the chemical properties of bases.

Question

Can we use

NaOH

as antacid?

Accepted Answer

No, sodium hydroxide cannot be used as an antacid. It is harmful as it is a strong base.

Although sodium hydroxide is a strong base and has the ability to neutralise stomach acid, it is not used as an antacid because sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali and is highly caustic. In its concentrated form, it can cause severe damage to tissues and membranes. Ingesting concentrated sodium hydroxide would be dangerous and harmful to the digestive system. Instead of sodium hydroxide, milder bases, such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), calcium carbonate, or magnesium hydroxide, are commonly used as antacids. These substances are safer, have controlled dissolution rates, and provide effective relief from mild gastric discomfort without the risk of causing harm to the digestive system.

Note: Antacid tablets typically contain alkaline substances that can neutralise the excess stomach acid, providing relief from the symptoms of acidity. The most common active ingredients in antacids include various compounds such as calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and aluminium hydroxide.

Can we use $NaOH$ as antacid?

Important Questions on Acids, Bases And Salts

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