pH Balance in Human Health, Digestion, and Environment

What is the normal pH range for physiological reactions in the human body?

7 - 7.8

What is the pH range of the stomach when hydrochloric acid is secreted?

Between 1 and 3

What causes indigestion in the stomach?

An excess of hydrochloric acid (HCl)

What are antacids used for?

To neutralize excess acid in the stomach and cure indigestion

Name a common antacid that contains magnesium hydroxide.

Milk of Magnesia

What is the chemical name for baking soda?

Sodium hydrogen carbonate

At what pH level does tooth decay begin?

Below 5.5

What happens to tooth enamel when the mouth's pH falls below 5.5?

It starts decaying due to acid attack

How can toothpaste help prevent tooth decay?

By neutralizing excess acid in the mouth

What pH level do most plants thrive in?

Close to 7

What is added to acidic soil to neutralize it?

Quicklime (Calcium Oxide), Slaked lime (Calcium Hydroxide), or Chalk (Calcium Carbonate)

What can be added to alkaline soil to reduce pH?

Manure or Compost

Why is pH important for aquatic animals?

They can only survive within a narrow range of pH changes

What is often added to acidic lake water to neutralize acid from acid rain?

Calcium Carbonate