Sour Chemistry - The Exponential pH Change

Introduction

Chemists quantify the acidity or alkalinity of a solution by measuring its pH on a scale ranging from 0 to 14. A neutral substance has a pH of 7. A pH lower than 7 suggests an acidic solution, while a pH higher than 7 indicates that a solution is basic.

Specific pH levels must be maintained throughout the body in order for a person to remain healthy. Excessively high or low pH levels often result in discomfort or irritation. For example, common indigestion or upset stomach usually indicates the presence of excessive amounts of stomach acids. This condition can sometimes be alleviated by taking an antacid tablet, or by drinking a solution such as Alka-Seltzer® and water, designed to neutralize these acids and raise the pH level in the stomach.

In this activity, the conditions found in an acid stomach will be simulated using a solution of lemon juice and water. The effectiveness of an antacid remedy will be tested by monitoring the pH of the solution after an effervescent antacid tablet has been added to it. You can model the resulting data with a modified exponential function.

Objectives

• Record pH vs. time data as an antacid tablet neutralizes the acid in lemon juice.
• Model the pH data with a modified exponential function.