Statement I : During indigestion, Milk of Magnesia is taken to get rid of pain in the stomach. Statement I : Milk of Magnesia is a base and it neutralizes the excess acid in the stomach.

Statement I is true as Milk of Magnesia is a common remedy for indigestion and stomach pain. Statement II is also true and provides the correct scientific explanation for Statement I. The stomach naturally produces hydrochloric acid to aid digestion [1]. However, an excess of this acid can lead to pain and irritation of the stomach lining. Milk of Magnesia, which contains magnesium hydroxide, is an alkaline substance or base. When ingested, it undergoes a chemical neutralization reaction with the excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach, converting it into magnesium chloride and water. This process reduces the overall acidity, thereby alleviating the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion. Because Statement II describes the specific chemical mechanism (neutralization) that enables the action described in Statement I, it is the correct explanation.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > Activity 5.3 > p. 85