Question

What happens when the blood becomes more alkaline? Show the equation.

Option 1: H2O + CO2 ↔ H2CO3 ↔ H+ + HCO3-
Option 2: HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O
Option 3: 2H2O → 2H2 + O2
Option 4: H2CO3 → H+ + HCO3-

Answer 1

Blood is an important example of a buffered solution, with carbonic acid and bicarbonate ion responsible for the buffering action. When hydronium or hydroxide ions are introduced to the blood stream, they are removed through specific reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Blood is an important example of a buffered solution, with the principal acid and ion responsible for the buffering action being carbonic acid, H₂CO3, and the bicarbonate ion, HCO3-. When a hydronium ion is introduced to the blood stream, it is removed primarily by the reaction:

H3O+ (aq) + HCO3- (aq)

H₂CO3(aq) + H₂O(1)

An added hydroxide ion is removed by the reaction:

OH(aq) + H₂CO3(aq)