Neutralisation in everyday life
Neutralisation is put to use in many places.
Stomach acidity
Milk of magnesia or a similar antacid — a mild base — neutralises excess acid in the stomach.
Acidic soil
Basic substances such as ash and slaked lime are added to soil to lower its acidity.
Bee stings
The pain comes from an acidic poison. A mild base such as baking soda (NaHCO3) on the sting eases it.
Wasp stings
Wasp venom is basic, so a weak dilute acid such as lime juice or vinegar on the sting eases the poison and the pain.