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+), as noted below. If the pH of blood increases, 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+), as noted below.  If the pH of blood increases, one would expect ________.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the pH of blood increases (becomes more basic), there is a shift towards removing excess H+ ions. Carbonic acid will dissociate into H+ ions and bicarbonate ions, but the bicarbonate ion will act as a base and accept excess H+ ions to form H2CO3. This will decrease the concentration of H+ ions and increase the concentration of HCO3− ions in order to maintain pH stability.

One of the Buffers That Contribute to PH Stability in Human