Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Chemical Reaction
The foaming and bubbling of Alka-Seltzer when dissolved in water is a result of a chemical reaction between its ingredients, primarily sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. When these two compounds come into contact with water, they react to produce carbon dioxide gas, which forms bubbles and creates the characteristic fizzing effect.
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Antacid Function
Alka-Seltzer contains sodium bicarbonate, which acts as the active antacid ingredient. Antacids neutralize stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn and indigestion by increasing the pH level in the stomach, thus alleviating discomfort caused by excess acidity.
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Dissolution Process
The dissolution process refers to how solid substances, like the tablets in Alka-Seltzer, break down in a solvent, such as water. This process is essential for the chemical reaction to occur, as it allows the reactants (sodium bicarbonate and citric acid) to interact and produce the gas that causes the foaming effect.
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