A simple household remedy for upset stomachs now illustrates key concepts in acid/base chemistry, neutralization reactions, and kinetics. When a strong acid is added to a suspension of magnesium hydroxide and universal indicator, a series of reactions begin. In these reactions, the dissolved base is quickly neutralized and the solubility process is slow enough to allow an acidic solution to exist until the acid is fully neutralized and the basic suspension re-established. A rapid change of colors from the universal indicator is observed as the solution changes pH. By changing the temperature of the solution using ice, the reaction is slowed down to observe which step is temperature related. An excellent introduction to acids and bases or the kinetics chapter, this kit includes materials for 10 demonstrations.
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