Acids have a pH between 1 and 7, with stronger acids having a lower pH. They are able to break down chemicals into smaller parts through chemical reactions. Our bodies use acid in digestion to break down food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach has a very low pH of 2.0 and helps break down food, though the stomach is lined with mucus to protect it from this strong acid. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid rises into the esophagus, and is often treated by neutralizing the acid with products containing calcium carbonate like TUMS.

2. What do we know about acids??
• pH 1-7
• Stronger Acids have
lower pH
• When used in chemical
reactions, many acids
will break down other
chemicals into smaller
parts!
• Our body uses this
process to break down
food!

4. Hydrochloric Acid
• Acid found in the stomach
• This is part of what breaks down your food!
• pH of 2.0!! Very strong
• Stomach has a lining of mucus to protect it
from this strong acid.
• Acid Reflux/Heartburn:
When stomach acid comes
up your esophagus. OUCH!

5. Treating Heartburn
• Common treatment…
• Neutralization
CaCO3 + 2HCl  CaCl2 + H2O + CO2
TUMS Acid Salt Water