How Do Different Solvents Affect the Dissolving Rate of Various Brands of Seltzer Tablets


Researched by Kaitlyn S.
2000-01

PURPOSE

The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether water or hydrochloric acid (pH 3.05) would make a seltzer table dissolve in less time and which brand (Alka-Seltzer or Long’s Drugs Generic Brand) would dissolve fastest in those two substances. 

I became interested in this idea because I’ve seen my dad take seltzer tablets and I wondered which brand would dissolve fastest.

The information gained from this experiment may help the members of society that have abdominal pains determine which substance and brand makes their seltzer tablets dissolve in the least amount of time for indigestion, heartburn and/or other pains.

HYPOTHESIS

My hypothesis was that the hydrochloric acid would make seltzer tablets dissolve in less amount of time compared to the water; and that the Alka-Seltzer brand would dissolve fastest compared to the other tablets.

I base my hypothesis on the fact that hydrochloric acid is the main component of stomach acid and it is very powerful, and that Alka-Seltzer is advertised for "fast relief".

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
 

The constants in this study were:
- Same amount of water per cup 
- Same amount of seltzer tablets per cup
- Same brand of glass (cup)
- Same water temperature
- Same amount of hydrochloric acid per cup 


The manipulated variables were the substance used to dissolve the seltzer tablets and the brand of seltzer tablets. 

The responding variable was the dissolving rate of the seltzer tablets. 

To measure the dissolving rate of the seltzer I used a stopwatch that measures in seconds. 

MATERIALS
 
QUANTITY ITEM DESCRIPTION
24 Clear glasses (or beakers)
12 Alka-Seltzer brand dissolving seltzer tablets
12 Long’s Drugs Generic Brand seltzer tablets
1 Stop watch (measuring in seconds)
125 ml Water
125 ml Hydrochloric acid (pH 3.05)
1 Permanent marker (for labeling tape)
1 Pair of safety goggles
1 Pair of protective gloves (medical or rubber)
1 Safety apron
24 Spoons (to stir)
 WARNING: Be VERY careful and wear the safety gear when handling the hydrochloric acid because it can burn your skin. 

PROCEDURES

1. Gather all the materials.
2. Label 1 of the glasses "Water- Alka-Seltzer".
3. Label 1 different glass "Acid- Alka-Seltzer".
4. Label 1 different glass "Water- Generic".
5. Label 1 different glass "Acid- Generic".
6. Pour 125 ml of water into each "Water" glass.
7. Pour 125 ml of hydrochloric acid into each "Acid" glass.
8. One at a time, put 2 seltzer tablets into each glass. As soon as you put the seltzer tablets into the glass start the stopwatch and stir the water (or hydrochloric acid) continuously and slowly as the tablet is dissolving.
9. As soon as the seltzer tablet is not visible anymore, stop the stopwatch.
10. Record the time (in seconds) that it took for the seltzer tablet to dissolve.
11. Repeat steps #8-10 with the next tablet.
12. Repeat steps #2-11 two more times.
13. Be sure to clean the glass that you put hydrochloric acid in thoroughly.

RESULTS

The original purpose of this experiment was to determine whether water or hydrochloric acid would make a seltzer table dissolve in the least amount of time and which brand would dissolve fastest in those two substances.

The results of the experiment were that the Alka-Seltzer dissolved in the least amount of time; and the hydrochloric acid made the seltzer tablets dissolve in the least amount of time. 

See the table and graphs.

CONCLUSION

My hypothesis was that the hydrochloric acid would make seltzer tablets dissolve in the least amount of time; and that the Alka-Seltzer brand will dissolve fastest. 

The results indicate that this hypothesis should be accepted because the hydrochloric acid made the seltzer tablet dissolve in the least amount of time; and Alka-Seltzer brand dissolves in the least amount of time. 

Because of the results of this experiment, I wonder if I should have only used one seltzer tablet instead of two. 

If I were to conduct this project again I would have probably used more brands and I would have conducted more trials. 
 
RESEARCH REPORT

Introduction to Antacids

Antacids are a medicine to help neutralize or stop indigestion or heartburn. Most research articles define an antacid as "any substance used to counteract or neutralize gastric acids and relieve the discomfort caused by gastric acidity". Antacids come in tablet, capsule and liquid form.
What Heartburn and Indigestion is
Heartburn is a mild to severe burning pain in the upper abdomen or beneath the breastbone. Indigestion is caused by poor eating habits such as eating too much or too quickly, swallowing air while eating or not chewing food properly. It also may result from eating excessive amounts of fatty foods, improperly cooked foods or vegetables such as cabbage, onions and radishes. Heartburn typically occurs after meals, often after those containing fatty foods, or when a person is lying down. Persistent or severe heartburn may be associated with a disorder of the lower sphincter, which normally prevents stomach contents from entering the esophagus. Heartburn may be treated with antacids or drugs that inhibit acid secretion. Stomach problems range from the occasional bout of indigestion, with bloated and burning sensations and discomfort in the stomach.

Uses
Antacids are used for neutralizing hydrochloric acid present in the stomach fluids. The most common antacid is baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) which is used for simple indigestion and heartburn. Antacids help relieve pain associated with peptic ulcers by neutralizing the hydrochloric acids. By relieving irritation, antacids also can help promote healing of the ulcers. Many doctors recommend their use along with other anti-ulcer drugs, such as antibiotics. Numerous non-prescription liquid antacids reduce the acidity of indigestion or gastritis for up to three hours after a single dose. Antacids should be taken when gastric acidity is most likely to be increasing one hour and three hours after each meal and at bedtime. The usual dose of concentrated antacids is one tablespoon and of regular antacids twice that amount. Antacids in the form of calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate are potent and fast acting.

Ingredients
Antacids that unite directly with free acid in the stomach are known as direct antacids. These include ammonium carbonate, magnesia, potassium bicarbonate, limewater and chalk. Aluminum antacids are available in many salt forms (hydroxide, carbonate, phosphate or aminoacetate). These agents neutralize the stomach acid and may be used to help lower phosphate levels in the body. Bicarbonate compounds such as sodium bicarbonate are strong antacids that quickly neutralize stomach acid. Many antacid products contain compounds of aluminum, magnesium, or, often both. These chemicals react with acids to form more neutral compounds that do not irritate peptic ulcers.
Health Problems Related to Antacids
 If a patient has kidney problems, they should not have a heavy and extended use of antacids because it may tend to clog their kidneys and cut down the amount of blood the kidneys process and can also cause kidney stones. Doctors should evaluate the antacids they prescribe in order to be certain that the drugs do not contain excessive sodium for patients with blood pressure or heart problems. Patients with kidney disease should not take antacids with magnesium. If patients have kidney problems they should not take antacids with aluminum because kidneys do not remove aluminum well, and antacids with bicarbonate can drastically alter your body’s pH level. Antacids that contain magnesium hydroxide can cause diarrhea. Antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide can cause constipation. High calcium levels can lead to kidney damage and other health problems. Frequent bouts of indigestion may be a symptom of diseases such as peptic ulcers, gastritis (an inflammation of the stomach lining), gallbladder disease or stomach tumors.
Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrochloric acid is a dangerous chemical that has many important industrial uses. It is colorless with an irritating odor and fumes when it is exposed to air. It is highly corrosive and can cause serious burns. It is also called muriatic acid. Dissolving hydrogen chloride gas in water makes hydrochloric acid. Hydrogen chloride is made by burning hydrogen and chlorine gases together or by treating common table salt with sulfuric acid. Industry uses hydrochloric acid in preparing many chemical compounds. 

Hydrochloric acid is also produced in the stomach where it is used to aid in digestion. Excess production of the acid by the stomach contributes to the formation of stomach ulcers.

Summary
 Antacids are not something to take like candy; they are medication to help neutralize excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Antacids."  [Online] Available http://www.britannica.com/bcom/eb/article, November 31, 2000

Griffenhagen, George.  "Antacid,"  Encyclopedia Americana. 1999  vol. 2  pg. 27

"Heartburn,"  Grolier Interactive Encyclopedia. 1998

"Ingredients of Antacids." [Online] Available http://www.planetrx.com/pro…shelf/add_info/100600004_ingredient.htm,  November 28, 2000

Johnson, Leonard R.  "Stomach,"  Grolier Interactive Encyclopedia.  1998

Pfeiffer, Carl J.  "Antacid,"  Grolier Interactive Encyclopedia.  1998

Sladek, N.E.  "Antacid,"  World Book Encyclopedia.  1999  vol. 1 pg. 529

Smith, Carolyn J.  "Hydrochloric Acid,"  World Book Encyclopedia. 1998  vol. 9  pg. 465
 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank the following people for contributing to making my science project possible and successful.

I would like to thank:
- My science teacher, Mr. Omar Arambul for teaching me about science
- My mom, Lori for buying the materials for my science project
- My dad, Shane for picking me up after I stayed after school to perfect my project
- My friend, Christina Sanborn for telling me that I could finish my project when I wasn't totally sure of myself
- Mrs. Rita Pasckvale, for helping me with my display's appearance
- Mr. Ken Newkirk, for being my inspiration for my project and having faith in me that I can do anything I want to accomplish
 

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