Question

Why does one feels pain and irritation when stung by honey-bee?
Rubbing of baking soda on the stung area gives relief. How?

Hint:

Honey-bee sting \(\Rightarrow\) acidic (formic acid). Baking soda \(\Rightarrow\) basic (NaHCO₃). Base neutralizes acid \(\Rightarrow\) relief. Remember: Bee sting = acid, Ant sting = acid, Wasp sting = alkaline (different treatment).

Answer 1

Part 1: Why pain and irritation occurs when stung by honey-bee
Step 1: Understand what honey-bee injects.
When a honey-bee stings, it injects a liquid through its stinger into the skin. This liquid is called venom.
Step 2: Chemical nature of honey-bee venom.
Honey-bee venom contains a substance called melittin (a peptide) along with other compounds. Most importantly, it contains formic acid and other acidic components. The sting is acidic in nature.
Step 3: Reason for pain and irritation.

• The acidic venom causes irritation and pain because acids can刺激 (stimulate) pain receptors in the skin.
• The body's immune response to the foreign substance also causes inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching.
• Histamine released by the body contributes to the allergic reaction and discomfort.

Step 4: Final answer for first part.
Pain and irritation occur because honey-bee injects acidic venom (containing formic acid) into the skin, which stimulates pain receptors and triggers an inflammatory response. Part 2: How baking soda gives relief
Step 1: Identify the nature of baking soda.
Baking soda is chemically sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃). It is basic in nature (alkaline).
Step 2: Principle of neutralization.
When an acid and a base react, they undergo a neutralization reaction to form salt and water. This reaction reduces the effect of both the acid and the base.
Step 3: What happens when baking soda is applied.

• The basic baking soda reacts with the acidic venom present on the skin.
• The acid (formic acid) and base (sodium hydrogen carbonate) neutralize each other.
• This neutralization reduces the acidity, thereby reducing pain, irritation, and inflammation.

Step 4: Balanced chemical equation (for understanding).
\[ \text{HCOOH (aq) + NaHCO}_3\text{ (s) \(\Rightarrow\) HCOONa (aq) + H}_2\text{O (l) + CO}_2\text{ (g)} \] (Formic acid + Sodium bicarbonate \(\Rightarrow\) Sodium formate + Water + Carbon dioxide)
Step 5: Final answer for second part.
Baking soda (basic) neutralizes the acidic venom, reducing pain and irritation through neutralization reaction.