When you drop an antacid tablet into water is it endothermic or exothermic? Please explain. Thank you.
When you drop an antacid tablet into water, it typically undergoes an exothermic reaction. To understand why, let's break it down.
An antacid tablet is usually made up of various ingredients, including a base, such as calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate, along with other chemicals and flavorings. When you drop the tablet into water, it begins to dissolve and react with the water molecules.
In the case of an antacid tablet, the primary purpose is to neutralize excess stomach acid, which is typically caused by indigestion or heartburn. Stomach acid is highly acidic, having a low pH value. The base present in the antacid tablet reacts with the acidic stomach acid, forming water and salt.
This reaction between the base and the acid is exothermic, which means it releases heat energy into the surrounding environment. Energy is released as chemical bonds break and new bonds form. In this case, the energy released is in the form of heat.
So, dropping an antacid tablet into water results in an exothermic reaction as the tablet dissolves and reacts with the acidic stomach acid, generating heat.