Final answer:
The formula of carbonic acid is H₂CO₃, which is derived from the reaction of carbon dioxide and water. The equilibrium reaction and concentrations of carbonic acid and its ion form, the hydrogen carbonate ion, are key to understanding its role in blood pH regulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
How to Find the Formula of Carbonic Acid
The formula for carbonic acid can be found through chemical reactions with carbon dioxide (CO₂). Carbon dioxide reacts with water (H₂O) in the body to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃). The reaction is as follows: CO₂(g) + 2H₂O(l) ⇒ H₂CO₃(aq) ⇒ HCO₃⁻(aq) + H₃O+ (aq). The equilibrium constant expression for this reaction involves the carbonic acid concentration, which is approximately 0.0012 M, and the concentration of the hydrogen carbonate ion, HCO₃⁻, which is around 0.024 M.
To determine the pH of blood using carbonic acid, we would use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and the acid dissociation constant (pKa) at body temperature. The equation helps account for the buffer capacity of blood against metabolic by-products which are typically acidic, ensuring that there is a larger proportion of base (HCO₃⁻) than acid (H₂CO₃), thereby stabilizing pH levels.