Question

When a person has excess stomach acid, he or she may ingest some sodium bicarbonate. The rationale for doing this is that the sodium bicarbonate is:
a base and will neutralize the excess acid
an acid and will weaken the excess acid
neutral and will dilute the excess acid
It will make the person thirsty; they will drink water and dilute the excess acid.

Answer 1

A base will neutralize the excess acid

Answer 2

Answer: Option (a) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Sodium bicarbonate has molecular formula as $NaHCO_{3}$. It is basic in nature as it dissociates to give sodium and bicarbonate ions.

When excess of acid is formed in the stomach then it means there is increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions. So, when sodium bicarbonate is ingested then it will neutralize the excess of acid formed in the stomach.

Thus, we can conclude that the rationale for doing this is that the sodium bicarbonate is a base and will neutralize the excess acid.