Physics 11 Light Lab
Biology 12 AP - Ulcer Buffer Lab
Purpose: To observe and compare albumin or alka-seltzer’s ability to control pH levels, in order to see which would be a better buffer and therefore a better treatment for a stomach ulcer.
Hypothesis: The Alka-Seltzer drug may work better, because it would mostly likely be more basic than the albumin seeing as it contains baking soda as one of its key components which is often used to neutralize acids. As well, the albumin would most likely be a weaker buffer since it’s typical pH is said to be about 7.4 whereas the typical pH of sodium bicarbonate is said to be 9 making the substance more likely to act as a better buffer.
Observations:
Number of Drops of HCl added | pH of H2O | pH of Alka-Seltzer | pH of Albumin |
0 | 6.32 | 6.75 | 6.92 |
5 | 2.52 | 6.72 | 6.81 |
10 | 2.24 | 6.72 | 6.74 |
15 | 2.09 | 6.72 | 6.62 |
20 | 1.93 | 6.72 | 6.53 |
25 | 1.84 | 6.72 | 6.40 |
30 | 1.75 | 6.72 | 6.30 |
35 | 1.69 | 6.72 | 6.17 |
40 | 1.64 | 6.72 | 6.02 |
45 | 1.59 | 6.72 | 5.82 |
50 | 1.55 | 6.72 | 5.47 |
55 | 1.52 | 6.72 | 4.82 |
60 | 1.49 | 6.72 | 4.05 |
65 | 1.46 | 6.72 | 3.52 |
70 | 1.43 | 6.72 | 3.09 |
75 | 1.42 | 6.72 | 3.02 |
Analysis:
Table for pH levels in relation to drops of HCl
[pic 1]
Orange - Water
Pink - Alka-Seltzer
Blue - Albumin
Questions:
- What is a stomach ulcer?
A stomach ulcer is a painful sore which opens on the stomach lining. This is is due to a lack of the mucous layer protecting the stomach lining from the acids which cause this. This can be either because the mucous layer has diminished or the acid has increased.