As we learned in class, pH follows a scale from 0 to 14 with 0-7 representing acidic solutions and above 7 representing basic solutions. Acids and bases can neutralize each other sort of like an average of two numbers. Though it is not as simple as taking an average of two pHs, it depends on quantities too, the core concept is that acids and bases can offset each other.
Stomach acid, HCl, usually has a pH between 1.5 and 3.5, which is quite acidic. I was interested in why when people feel stomach pains or indigestion, they take tums or pepto bismol. It is because they both contain baking soda, or NaHCO3 , which serves to offset the strong acid, neutralizing it somewhat and taking away the burning sensation. NaHCO3 if made into a solution in water has a pH between 9 and 11 so on the basic side of the spectrum. So when the HCl and the NaHCO3 come in contact with each other, the pH changes and becomes more neutral on the pH scale (closer to 7).
Our bodies do other acid base neutralization reactions. During digestion, food in the stomach is exposed to the strong HCl acid where it begins to break down. After, the basic environment of the small intestine releases and enzyme that works to neutralize the now acidic food so that it can continue being digested without the acid making us feel a burning sensation.
4 Responses to Acid Base Neutralizations in our Bodies