Which Antacid Neutralizes Acid the Best?
WHICH ANTACID WILL NEUTRALIZE STOMACH ACID THE BEST AND IS MOST COST- EFFECTIVE?
Description
This experiment was conducted to find out how effective different types and brands of antacids are at neutralizing acid. I also looked at the cost of each product in order to determine if my hypothesis would be correct. The experiment was done using 4 brands of antacid, Pepto-Bismol, Gaviscon, Tums and Tagamet.
Hypothesis
All the antacids will neutralize different amounts of acid but the most expensive one will be able to neutralize the most acid.
Overview
Antacids
Antacids are a type of medication that can be purchased at pharmacies to cure heartburn and gastritis. An antacid works by neutralizing the acid in your stomach and increasing pH levels.
Our stomach is normally at pH levels of around 2 to 3. When we eat food, our stomach produces acid to help digest the food. However when we eat to much, our stomach produces too much acid and pH levels may drop below 2. This is when we start to experience heartburn, and that's precisely when the antacids become useful. It helps to bring pH levels back to around 3 to 4, and often offers quick relief.
Antacids will not be able to neutralize the acid in the stomach by itself and will need another ingredient to help increase pH levels. This ingredient can be sodium, magnesium, calcium or aluminum.
Some over-the-counter antacids contain a H2 blocker or Proton Pump Inhibitors. These medications help reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. While they may not give immediate relief, and may take more than 1 hour, the relief from the symptoms will last much longer.
Materials
The materials required for this science fair project:
- 4 beakers
- 800ml water
- 80ml muriatic acid
- 4 brands of antacid – Pepto Bismol, Gaviscon, Turms, Tagamet
- 1 pH meter
- 1 burette
- 1 mortar and pestle
- 1 glass stirrer
- 1 measuring spoon
- 1 marker pen
Procedure
1. For this experiment, the independent
Description
This experiment was conducted to find out how effective different types and brands of antacids are at neutralizing acid. I also looked at the cost of each product in order to determine if my hypothesis would be correct. The experiment was done using 4 brands of antacid, Pepto-Bismol, Gaviscon, Tums and Tagamet.
Hypothesis
All the antacids will neutralize different amounts of acid but the most expensive one will be able to neutralize the most acid.
Overview
Antacids
Antacids are a type of medication that can be purchased at pharmacies to cure heartburn and gastritis. An antacid works by neutralizing the acid in your stomach and increasing pH levels.
Our stomach is normally at pH levels of around 2 to 3. When we eat food, our stomach produces acid to help digest the food. However when we eat to much, our stomach produces too much acid and pH levels may drop below 2. This is when we start to experience heartburn, and that's precisely when the antacids become useful. It helps to bring pH levels back to around 3 to 4, and often offers quick relief.
Antacids will not be able to neutralize the acid in the stomach by itself and will need another ingredient to help increase pH levels. This ingredient can be sodium, magnesium, calcium or aluminum.
Some over-the-counter antacids contain a H2 blocker or Proton Pump Inhibitors. These medications help reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. While they may not give immediate relief, and may take more than 1 hour, the relief from the symptoms will last much longer.
Materials
The materials required for this science fair project:
- 4 beakers
- 800ml water
- 80ml muriatic acid
- 4 brands of antacid – Pepto Bismol, Gaviscon, Turms, Tagamet
- 1 pH meter
- 1 burette
- 1 mortar and pestle
- 1 glass stirrer
- 1 measuring spoon
- 1 marker pen
Procedure
1. For this experiment, the independent