Answer: Option (a) is the correct answer.
Explanation:
Sodium bicarbonate has molecular formula as [tex]NaHCO_{3}[/tex]. It is basic in nature as it dissociates to give sodium and bicarbonate ions.
When excess of acid is formed in the stomach then it means there is increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions. So, when sodium bicarbonate is ingested then it will neutralize the excess of acid formed in the stomach.
Thus, we can conclude that the rationale for doing this is that the sodium bicarbonate is a base and will neutralize the excess acid.
