The teeth are protected by a hard enamel layer, which is composed of a mineral called hydroxyaptite, Cas(PO4)3OH. Hydroxyaptite dissolves in saliva, as shown in the following equation: Caş(PO4),OH() → 5C2²*(aq) + 3PO,³¯ (aq) + OH¯(aq) In adults, this process is balanced by the reverse process. (In other words, it is an equilibrium.) When you eat, food is broken down by bacteria, and acids are produced. These acids react with the hydroxide ion to form water. Explain why this reverse process promotes tooth decay.
The teeth are protected by a hard enamel layer, which is composed of a mineral called hydroxyaptite, Cas(PO4)3OH. Hydroxyaptite dissolves in saliva, as shown in the following equation: Caş(PO4),OH() → 5C2²*(aq) + 3PO,³¯ (aq) + OH¯(aq) In adults, this process is balanced by the reverse process. (In other words, it is an equilibrium.) When you eat, food is broken down by bacteria, and acids are produced. These acids react with the hydroxide ion to form water. Explain why this reverse process promotes tooth decay.
Chapter8: Reaction Rates And Equilibrium
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 8.56E
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![The teeth are protected by a hard enamel layer, which is composed of a mineral called hydroxyaptite, Caş(PO4)3OH.
Hydroxyaptite dissolves in saliva, as shown in the following equation:
Caş(PO4);OH(s) → 5C2² + 3PO,³¯
(aq)'
In adults, this process is balanced by the reverse process. (In other words, it is an equilibrium.) When you eat, food
is broken down by bacteria, and acids are produced. These acids react with the hydroxide ion to form water. Explain
(aq) + OH¯(aq)
why this reverse process promotes tooth decay.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F70a6ad28-c20f-4c7b-ae3b-f34c9fc80226%2F8a5c6ada-4874-42bc-bc02-bd7459a50e2e%2Fox9jn87_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Transcribed Image Text:The teeth are protected by a hard enamel layer, which is composed of a mineral called hydroxyaptite, Caş(PO4)3OH.
Hydroxyaptite dissolves in saliva, as shown in the following equation:
Caş(PO4);OH(s) → 5C2² + 3PO,³¯
(aq)'
In adults, this process is balanced by the reverse process. (In other words, it is an equilibrium.) When you eat, food
is broken down by bacteria, and acids are produced. These acids react with the hydroxide ion to form water. Explain
(aq) + OH¯(aq)
why this reverse process promotes tooth decay.
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