How Antiacids Work in Your Body — Reading Comprehension

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"This science reading passage explains how antacids work in the human body by using the principles of acid-base neutralization. Designed for a middle school audience, it defines key terms like hydrochloric acid and hyperacidity while providing a clear explanation of how the weak bases in antacids react with stomach acid to relieve symptoms like heartburn. The passage connects these chemical reactions to real-world examples, such as the use of antacid tablets and liquids. It also includes a fun fact to engage students. The content is aligned with NGSS standards related to chemical reactions and the human body's systems, making it a valuable resource for science teachers and students studying these topics. It's an excellent tool for self-study or classroom use, providing a strong foundation for understanding basic chemistry and its biological applications."

CONTENT PREVIEW

Your stomach contains a powerful acid called hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is essential for breaking down food and protecting you from harmful bacteria. The stomach lining is specially adapted to handle this acidic environment. However, sometimes the stomach produces too much acid, a condition known as hyperacidity. When this excess acid travels up into the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach, it can cause a painful burning sensation known as heartburn. Antacids are a type of medication used to quickly relieve these symptoms.

Antacids work based on a fundamental principle of chemistry: acid-base neutralization. Acids and bases are chemical opposites. An acid, like the HCl in your stomach, has a low pH, while a base has a high pH. Antacids are made of weak bases, such as calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide. When you take an antacid, the basic compounds enter your stomach and react with the excess hydrochloric acid. This reaction neutralizes the acid, raising the stomach's pH level and reducing the acidity.

The neutralization reaction between the antacid and the stomach acid produces a new, less harmful substance, typically a salt and water. For example, when an antacid containing calcium carbonate (CaCO3) reacts with stomach acid (HCl), the reaction produces calcium chloride (CaCl2), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2). This chemical change is what provides rapid relief from the burning sensation of heartburn. Antacids offer a temporary solution by directly counteracting the existing acid, but they do not stop the stomach from producing more acid.

Antacids are available in various forms, including chewable tablets and liquids. The liquid forms generally work faster because they do not need to be broken down before they can react with the stomach acid. While antacids are very effective for occasional heartburn, people who experience frequent or severe acid reflux may need a different type of medication that addresses the root cause of the acid production.

Fun Fact: The burping you might experience after taking some antacids is often a result of the carbon dioxide gas (CO2) produced during the neutralization reaction.

What is the main purpose of hydrochloric acid in the stomach?

To cause heartburnTo break down foodTo neutralize basesTo produce carbon dioxide

What is the name for the condition where the stomach produces too much acid?

Acid refluxHeartburnHyperacidityNeutralization

What is the primary chemical principle behind how antacids work?

FermentationOxidationAcid-base neutralizationPhotosynthesis

What type of chemical compound are antacids?

Strong acidsWeak basesNeutral saltsEnzymes

Which of the following is produced when an antacid neutralizes stomach acid?

A new, less harmful substanceMore hydrochloric acidAn enzyme called pepsinA high pH environment

Why might a person feel a burning sensation in their esophagus?

The stomach lining is too thin.The stomach's pH is too high.Excess acid has traveled to the esophagus.An antacid has just been taken.

How do liquid antacids compare to chewable tablets in terms of speed?

Liquids are slower because they are digested.They both work at the same speed.Liquids work faster as they are already dissolved.Liquids are only for severe cases.

A scientist is testing a new substance to see if it can be used as an antacid. The substance is mixed with a solution of hydrochloric acid. Which observation would most likely indicate that the substance is an effective antacid?

The solution becomes more acidic.The pH of the solution increases.The solution remains unchanged.A strong acid is produced.