Which one among the following is known as Milk of Magnesia ?

Milk of Magnesia is the common name for Magnesium hydroxide, which has the chemical formula Mg(OH)2. It is an inorganic compound that is widely used in medicine and industry.

• Appearance: It gets its name from its milk-like appearance when prepared as an aqueous suspension.
• Medical Applications: It is primarily used as an antacid to neutralize excess stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn and indigestion. It also acts as a laxative to treat occasional constipation by drawing water into the intestines.
• Chemical Nature: It is a weak base. When it reacts with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach, it undergoes a neutralization reaction to form magnesium chloride and water.

In contrast, Magnesium sulphate is known as Epsom salt, and Magnesium carbonate is often used as a drying agent or in antacids but is not referred to as Milk of Magnesia.