Antacid Lab Report

Antacid Lab Report

Aim of experiment: To find out which is more effective at neutralizing the excess acid in the stomach – antacids or baking soda?

Hypothesis: I believe that antacids are a better way to neutralize/reduce excess stomach acid to a normal level than baking soda because antacids also consist of other chemical ingredients, which may affect the neutralization process.

Variables:

• Dependent: the amount of drops universal indicator needed in each test tube to neutralize it
• Independent: baking soda and the antacids being tested
• Control: the amount of acid and water in each of the six test tubes 

Equipment: 

• safety goggles
• baking soda
• 100-ml beaker
• 6 test–tubes
• water
• universal indicator
• spoon
• hydrochloric acid
• pipette
• antacid tablets – Gaviscon & Rennie
• pestle & mortar

Method:

1. Put on safety goggles
2. Get all equipment set up.  Fill 3 test tubes with water and 3 with hydrochloric acid.  Be sure to label correctly so you don’t mix them up
3. Measure a mass of 3g of baking soda
4. Place in 100ml beaker and mix it together with water
5. Use the pipette to transfer it to a test tube which contains hydrochloric acid
6. Then take another pipette and add drops of universal indicator
7. Check the colour; if it’s green the acid has been successfully neutralized
8. Determine the mass of each antacid tablet – Maalox & Rennie
9. Crush each tablet separately into a fine powder using a pestle & mortar
10. Measure a mass of 3g of each antacid tablet
11. Repeat steps 4 -7 for each antacid tablet in turn

Qualitative Data:

Antacid	Antacid after crushed	Before (- Antacid + water)	During (- Antacid + water + HCL)	After (- Antacid + water + HCL universal indicator)
Baking Soda	White powder	Clear liquid	Pink liquid	Clear green solution
Maalox	White powder	Clear liquid	Pink liquid	Clear green solution
Rennie	White powder	Clear liquid	Blue liquid	Clear green solution

 

Conclusion:  Unfortunately, I had difficulty keeping up with this experiment, and as a result, I do not have a record of quantitative measurements/ timings of pH changes.  I am therefore unable to produce tabulated results or provide graphs which would allow me to base conclusions on which antacid is the most effective.

Dear Sick at heart,

Your Gran is correct – baking soda is an effective antacid and can be used as a cheap, natural alternative to treat indigestion symptoms.  Antacids that you can buy from your local pharmacy all have active ingredients which can bring relief to your suffering and can be taken either as tablets or as liquids.  In the solid form, the tablets may take some time to dissolve but do not have an unpleasant taste like liquid medicine.  However, with the liquids you may get relief quicker.  It is not recommended though to use this as a remedy for your suffering on a daily basis as excess consumption of baking soda can lead to possibly more serious health conditions.  If you are experience heartburn/ indigestion frequently, it would be wise to discuss this with your doctor.    

Hope you feel better soon.

Dolly Doctor