Question

Which of the following is true for the bloodstream reactions?

CO2 (g) + H2O(l) <---> H2CO3 (aq) + H2O(l) <---> H3O+ (aq) + HCO3 (aq)
a. Increasing the partial pressure of CO2 makes the bloodstream more basic
b. Excess removal of CO2 in the lungs, makes the amount of H3O+ decrease
c. Addition of bicarbonate will cause reactions to shift right
d. The pressure of CO2 in the lungs is very high so reactions shift right
e. Exercising causes the level of H3O+ to decrease

Answer 1

Increasing the partial pressure of CO2 makes the bloodstream more basic, excess removal of CO2 in the lungs makes the amount of H3O+ decrease, and the addition of bicarbonate causes the reactions to shift right.

Step-by-step explanation:

The given chemical reaction represents the equilibrium reactions that occur in the bloodstream involving carbon dioxide and water to form carbonic acid and bicarbonate ions. Based on the reaction, the following statements are true:

1. B. Excess removal of CO2 in the lungs, makes the amount of H3O+ decrease. When carbon dioxide is removed from the blood in the lungs, it reduces the concentration of H3O+ ions, leading to a decrease in acidity and an increase in pH.
2. C. Addition of bicarbonate will cause the reactions to shift right. Adding more bicarbonate (HCO3-) to the blood will drive the reaction to the right to form more carbonic acid (H2CO3) and H3O+ ions.
3. E. Exercising causes the level of H3O+ to decrease. During exercise, there is an increased production of carbon dioxide and subsequent increase in H3O+ ions, leading to a decrease in blood pH. However, the statement is incorrect because it implies the opposite effect.