The buffer system in human blood buffer is composed of HCO3- and H2CO3. (The Ka for carbonic...

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Chemistry

The buffer system in human blood buffer is composed ofHCO₃^- and H₂CO₃. (TheK_a for carbonic acid is 7.9 x 10 ^-7).
a. Please identify the acidic and basic component of thebuffer.
b. Please write the chemical equation that will happen whenadditional HCl is added into the buffer. (Hint: acids like to reactwith bases.)
c. Please write the chemical equation that will happen whenadditional NaOH is added into the buffer. (Hint: bases like toreact with acids.)
d. What is the effective buffer range?
e. In order for our body to function properly, the pH of bloodneeds to be maintained between 7.35-7.45. If the pH of the bufferis measured to be 7.40, what is the ratio betweenHCO₃^- and H₂CO₃?
f. If the concentration of HCO₃^- is 5times that of H₂CO₃, what is the pH of thebuffer?

Answer & Explanation Solved by verified expert

3.7 Ratings (470 Votes)

aCarbonic acid is the acidic component as it can be deprotonatedBicarbonate anion is the basic component which can abstract proton from an acidbHCl is a strong acid Hence HCl is added itwill react with the conjugate base of carbonic See Answer

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