One of the buffers that contribute to pH stability in human blood is carbonic acid (H₂CO₃). Carbonic acid is a weak acid that, when placed in an aqueous solution, dissociates into a bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻)and a hydrogen ion (H⁺). (See figure.)
$\underset{\text { Carbonic acid }}{\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}} \rightleftharpoons \underset{\text { Bicarbonate ion }}{\mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}}+\underset{\text { Hydrogen ion }}{\mathrm{H}^{+}}$

If the pH of blood drops, one would expect ________.

Question

One of the buffers that contribute to pH stability in human blood is carbonic acid (H₂CO₃). Carbonic acid is a weak acid that, when placed in an aqueous solution, dissociates into a bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻)and a hydrogen ion (H⁺). (See figure.)
$\underset{\text { Carbonic acid }}{\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}} \rightleftharpoons \underset{\text { Bicarbonate ion }}{\mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}}+\underset{\text { Hydrogen ion }}{\mathrm{H}^{+}}$

If the pH of blood drops, one would expect ________.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the pH of blood drops, it indicates an increase in H⁺ concentration. The bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻) acts as a base, reacting with the excess H⁺ to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), thus helping to stabilize the pH.

One of the Buffers That Contribute to PH Stability in Human