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Milk of magnesia is a solution of magnesium hydroxide (a white powder) in water. It is a base because when the powder is introduced into water, it partially dissociates (breaks up) into magnesium (Mg2+) and hydroxide (OH-) ions. Pure water contains an equal number of OH- ions and another ion called hydronium ions (H3O+). Because the milk of magnesia adds OH- ions to the water, there are now more OH- ions than H3O+ ions. This means you have a base. On the opposite end, if there are more H3O+ ions than OH- ions, which happens when you add vinegar or lemon juice to water, you have an acid. Hope that makes sense!

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13y ago

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