Activity 2 1-20-11 Antacids

Write the formula for Tums? How does Tums chemically react with water and stomach acid?

CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) is the active ingredient in tums. It dissolves in water, but not very well. The negatively charged CO3 bonds readily to positive H atoms and so it dissolves better in an acidic solution. 

 

(CO3^-2) + (H+) --> (HCO3-) + (H+) --> H2CO3 <---> (H2O) + (CO2)

carbonate                  Bicarbonate              Carbonic Acid                                      

 

How many Tums are needed to neutralize a can of coke?

 

 Quite a few. I would guess at least 500 mg of CaCO3 worth of tums, at least.