Milk of Magnesia is used when people suffer from indigestion of food.

Milk of Magnesia is used when people suffer from indigestion of food. It is a

Strong base
Mild base
Strong acid
Mild acid
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2022
Milk of Magnesia is a common name for a suspension of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂). Magnesium hydroxide is a base. It is used as an antacid to neutralize excess hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach, which causes indigestion. While it is a base, it is not highly soluble in water, and its reaction with acid is not as vigorous or complete as that of a strong base like sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Therefore, it is considered a mild base, suitable for internal consumption as an antacid or laxative without causing severe side effects associated with strong bases.
Milk of Magnesia is magnesium hydroxide, which acts as a mild base to neutralize stomach acid.
The neutralization reaction in the stomach is: Mg(OH)₂(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl₂(aq) + 2H₂O(l). By consuming a base like magnesium hydroxide, the acidity in the stomach is reduced, providing relief from indigestion and heartburn.
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