Help with a chemistry lab-I suck at it.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around designing an experiment to test the effectiveness of different antacids in neutralizing hydrochloric acid (HCl). Participants explore various methods of conducting the experiment, including titration techniques and the handling of solid antacid forms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using titration, proposing to place the antacid in a flask and titrate it with HCl from a burette.
  • Another participant questions how to measure the volume of a solid antacid and how to determine the amount of HCl neutralized.
  • A suggestion is made to measure the mass of the antacid tablet instead of its volume and to consider the pH after the antacid's neutralizing ability is exhausted.
  • There is a discussion about using an indicator to determine when neutralization occurs, with questions about how to incorporate it with solid antacids.
  • One participant proposes adding water to the antacid and then introducing the indicator, seeking confirmation on whether this would affect the experiment.
  • A later reply suggests adding an excess of acid to the antacid tablet and titrating the excess with a base, recommending preliminary tests to determine the appropriate amount of excess acid.
  • One participant identifies Tums as a calcium carbonate antacid and expresses confidence in their experimental design after receiving feedback.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the use of titration and the need for indicators, but there are differing views on the best method to handle solid antacids and how to measure their effectiveness. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal experimental design.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about measuring solid antacids and the effects of adding water, indicating a need for clarification on these points. There are also unresolved questions about the specific procedures for titration and the use of indicators.

dbny116
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I have to design and conduct an experiment to test the effectiveness of 4 different kinds of antacids on neutralizing HCl (stomach acid).

I could do this if you gave me the procedure but I have to completely design an experiment.
I suck at chemistry and this is all going over my head.
I was thinking about doing something with titrations but I don't know exactly how to go about that.

Would I put the antacid is a flask, and then titrate it with HCl?

Someone PLEASE help me.
Clearly, chemistry is not my thing.
 
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Okay what I have so far is:
You put the acid in the burette(?)
base (antacid) in the flask.

VolumeXConcentration of HCl / Volume of antacid = Concentration of the antacid

1-how do you measure the volume of a solid antacid?
2-how do you know how much HCl has been neutralized?

I have to figure this out in 2 days.
HELP ME PLEASE.
 
You have the right idea. You would most likely measure the mass (not volume) of the antacid tablet. Try using some fraction of the sample size recommended by antacid instructions. What pH will you get after the neutralizing ability of the antacid tablet has been exhausted? How might you measure this pH?
 
wouldnt you put an indicator in the flask so you know when its been neutralized

but if I have a solid antacid, how would I do that?
Would I add water to the antacid and then put indicator in it?
 
You are better at this than you think...
 
lol
thanks
ive been looking all over the internet trying to figure it out

so adding water to the antacid wouldn't mess it up or anything would it?
 
No. You could also add acid (measured amount) in excess to the antacid tablet and titrate the excess acid with a base titrant (NaOH, 0.1N). How much excess acid to add would be something for you to figure out after a few preliminary tests with indicator solution. Use this method if the tablet dissolves slowly or not at all. Calcium carbonate could be a component, for example, and will not dissolve in the water you add.
 
I think tums is calcium carbonate.
Im pretty sure I've figured out exactly what I am going to do.
THANK YOU :D
 

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