Why might a small piece of chalk reduce acid indigestion?

1 Answer
anor277
Jan 21, 2017

Consider the basicity of chalk, i.e. calcium carbonate......

Explanation:

#CaCO_3(s) + 2HCl(aq) rarr CO_2(g) + Ca^(2+) + 2Cl^(-) + H_2O(l)#

With some commercial products, i.e. the lozenges, you can actually taste the chalkiness in the lozenge, which is not entirely pleasant. I don't think I would consume a small piece of chalk tho, if I had an upset stomach.

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