In a blood cell,water and carbon dioxide can combine in a reversible reaction to form carbonic acid.If the concentration of carbonic acid increases,which direction will the net reaction proceed in?
A)The forward direction (toward more carbonic acid accumulation)
B)The reverse direction (toward more water and carbon dioxide accumulation)
C)The net rate will be unaffected by an increase in carbonic acid concentration.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Le Chatelier's Principle, if the concentration of one of the reactants or products in a reversible reaction is increased, the equilibrium will shift in the direction opposite to that increase to relieve the stress. In this case, increasing the concentration of carbonic acid will shift the equilibrium toward the reactants (water and carbon dioxide), producing more of them and decreasing the concentration of the carbonic acid. Therefore, the net reaction will proceed in the reverse direction towards more water and carbon dioxide accumulation.

In a Blood Cell,water and Carbon Dioxide Can Combine in a Reversible