We've explored some neutralization reactions that occur within the household, but what about in the real world? An interesting thing I've found out is that we can use neutralization reactions to relieve bee and wasp stings. A neutralization reaction also occurs when we're brushing our teeth. Here are some more neutralization reactions you never thought of and how they work.
BEE AND WASP STINGS
Bee sting venom contains formic acid, which can be neutralized by soaking the infected area in a solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) water. Wasp sting venom contains many active ingredients but is basic in nature. The venom can be neutralized by soaking the area that has been stung in vinegar.
BRUSHING TEETH
People often think that the cause of cavities and gingivitis is due to the sugars and food stuck in their teeth, but that is not the case. In truth, it is the acid released by the bacteria in our mouths that cause tooth decay, and these bacteria form in the presence of sugars and leftover food. Toothpaste (sodium fluoride) can actually neutralize the acid in our mouths. If you don't have a toothbrush handy, drinking milk or eating a pear can also neutralize the acid as well.
WATER BOTTLE ROCKETS
We at Basically Awesome Chemistry have tried our very own neutralization reaction in the form of water bottle rockets with our own science class. We mixed baking soda, which is basic, with acidic vinegar. The catch was that the three products were produced in this reaction. Although baking soda is a base, it also contains a carbonate (hence the name sodium bicarbonate). When an acid reacts with a carbonate of any kind, carbon dioxide gas is always produced. You can see the video of our rocket launch by clicking here.
Here is a video you can check out that talks about some neutralization reactions that have not been mentioned. It also introduces the Bronsted-Lowry Theory of what acids and bases are. In this theory, acids are substance that give hydrogen ions when they dissociate in water and bases are substances that accept hydrogen ions.
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