Question

State the importance of pH in the digestion of food.

Answer 1

pH is basically defined as the negative logarithm of ${H^ + }$ ion concentration. The pH of the solution generally varies from 0-14. The solutions having a pH ranging from 0-7 on pH scale are termed as acidic and for the value of pH ranging 7-14 on the scale are known as basic solutions.

Complete step by step answer:
As we know that all the acids and bases do not react with the same chemical compound at the same rate. So to determine the strength of acids and bases, we use the universal indicator which shows different colors at different concentrations of hydrogen ion in solution and generally the value of pH of acids and bases are used to quantitatively determine their strength. It is basically the measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The pH scale is as shown:

Now, our stomach produces HCl which helps in the digestion of food without harming the stomach. During indigestion, the stomach produces too much acid and this causes pain and irritation. So, to get rid of this pain, people use bases known as antacids. These antacids neutralize the excess acid in the stomach. For example, magnesium hydroxide i.e. milk of magnesia, a mild base is often used for this purpose.
Moreover, when the pH level in the mouth begins to fall below 5.5, tooth decay occurs. When the mouth is exposed to long periods of low pH, it allows cavities causing bacteria to grow further.

Note: We experience a lot of pain in case of bee-sting as the bee injects methanolic acid through its sting. So, we are generally applying baking soda or other mild bases on the surface as it helps in maintaining the pH of the surface.