Making an Indigestion powder!

Making an Indigestion powder!

Using apparatus and chemicals from the lab, how could you work out which chemicals make the best indigestion powder?

Our Product

Introduction

What is indigestion caused by?

For our experiment, we decided to test how much 1g of each base raised the Ph of the HCl. We used 0.2M hydrochloric acid with calcium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate and Sodium carbonate.

Materials

Indigestion is a term used to describe pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. It is usually caused by stomach acid coming into contact with the mucosa of the digestive system.

In the digestive system the mucosa is the tissue in direct contact with the food as it passes through the digestive tract.

Safety Precautions

Our product will consist of :

• 150 grammes of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate.

AND

• 50 grammes of Calcium Carbonate.

This will result in the product costing 1 euro. To make a 100% profit we must sell this product for 2 euro.

We chose Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate as it raised the Ph closer to 7 which is the neutral point. In the three trials it averaged a change of Ph 5.

We chose Calcium Carbonate as it has the least damaging side effects and it can also extended the time of neutralization of the Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate. It had a Ph change of 4.

• Test tubes
• Test tube rack
• Graduated cylinder
• Funnel
• weighing scales
• Universal indicator paper and scale.
• Spatula
• Beaker
• Weighing boats
• Calcium Carbonate
• Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
• Sodium Carbonate
• Hydrochloric acid
• Safety Goggles
• Gloves

We wore goggles and gloves to protect our hands and eyes from the Hydrochloric acid in the case of a spillage.

Method

Other causes of Indigestion!

• Firstly, we measured 1g of the Calcium Carbonate.
• Then we poured the powder into a test tube taking care to label it.
• We measured 20ml of 0.2 molar Hydrochloric acid to mimic the acid in the stomach.
• Then we tested for the Ph of the HCl with universal indicator paper and noted it down.
• We carefully and slowly poured the HCl into the test tube with the help of a funnel.
• After stirring the powder, we tested the Ph or the solution and noted it down.
• We repeated this process two more times to get an average.
• Repeat all stages with the other two powders.

Indigestion is a symptom of Ulcers, gallbladder disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Results

Comments

What chemicals are found in indigestion tablets?

Starting Ph of HCl Trial 1 + 2 : Ph2

Trial 3 : Ph 1

The chemicals ( chemical compounds) most commonly found in indigestion tablets are:

• Calcium Carbonate.
• Aluminium Hydroxides.
• Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate.
• Sodium Carbonate

Calcium Sodium Sodium Hydrogen

Carbonate Carbonate Carbonate

End Trial 1: Ph 5 Ph 12 Ph 6

Ph= Trial 2: Ph 5 Ph 10 Ph 7

Trial 3: Ph 6 Ph 12 Ph 6

Sodium Carbonate

If we were to redo this investigation we would like to investigate how much acid could be neutralised by a certain amount of antacid. We began an experiment to investigate this but did not have enough time to figure out all of the factors.

We would also like to try using Sodium Carbonate in the product. It is wise to be wary however, as the most extreme side effects belong to that of Sodium Carbonate. If we were to use this in our product we should only use a small amount to ensure that there is minimal risk of side effects.

Calcium Carbonate

Sodium carbonate is commonly known as washing soda or soda ash, It is widely used as a cleaning agent. If ingested it may cause breathing problems, vomiting or low blood pressure.

Calcium Carbonate is used in antacids as it reacts with the Hydrochloric acid of the stomach resulting on the synthesis of a salt and a Bicarbonate. Constipation or gas may be a side effect.

Image by Tom Mooring

Aluminium Hydroxide

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (Bicarbonate)

Calcium Sodium Sodium Hydrogen

Carbonate Carbonate Carbonate

Change Trial 1: Ph 3 Ph 10 Ph 4

in Ph = Trial 2: Ph 3 Ph 8 Ph 5

Trial 3: Ph 5 Ph 11 Ph 5

Average : Ph 4 Ph 10 Ph 5

change in Ph

Aluminium Hydroxide is used in antacids as it reacts with the hydrochloric acid to relieve heartburn and indigestion. It combines with the excess acid in the stomach and neutralizes it. Nausea, constipation and diarrhea are possible side effects.

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate reduces stomach acid. It is used as an antacid to treat heartburn and indigestion. It is very quick acting and should only be used as temporary relief. Nausea or bloating my occur.