Why Does Alka-Seltzer Acidify Water but Act as an Antacid?

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Testing the pH of water with Alka-Seltzer using Bromothymol blue indicator revealed a color change to yellow, indicating acidity. This acidity is attributed to the CO2 produced by the reaction, which can dissolve in water to form carbonic acid. The discussion raises questions about why Alka-Seltzer is classified as an antacid despite initially acidifying the water. It highlights that sodium bicarbonate in Alka-Seltzer acts as a buffer, neutralizing stomach acid when consumed. The conversation also notes that while vinegar turns the indicator yellow, the introduction of Alka-Seltzer can revert it back to blue, demonstrating its neutralizing effect. Further clarification on these reactions and their implications for stomach acidity is sought.
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Hi everyone. I was testing the pH of water that had alka seltzer placed in it. I used Bromothymol blue indicator to see the pH. The color changed to yellow, which suggests that the water was now acidic. I assume this is because of the CO2 bubbles that form which can acidify the H2O. Am I correct?

I also do not understand why the alka seltzer is considered an antacid when it showed that it acidified the water (using the aforementioned pH indicator).

How does drinking an acidic solution neutralize stomach acids? It seems counter intuitive to me.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks very much.
 
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