Question

Blood contains a buffer of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and hydrogen carbonate ion (HCO₃⁻) that keeps the pH at a relatively stable 7.40 × 10⁷. What is the ratio of [HCO₃⁻] / [H₂CO₃] in blood? Ka₁ = 4.30 × 10⁻⁷ for H₂CO₃. A. 2.33 × 10⁻⁷

B. 4.30 × 10⁻⁷
C. 2.33 × 10⁷
D. 4.30 × 10⁷

Answer 1

The ratio of [HCO3-] / [H2CO3] in blood can be calculated using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and the equilibrium constant (Ka). The correct ratio is determined by the Ka₁ value of carbonic acid, which is 4.30 × 10⁻⁷.

Step-by-step explanation:

Human blood contains a buffer system consisting of carbonic acid (H2CO3) and hydrogen carbonate ion (HCO3-) that helps maintain the pH at a relatively stable level. The ratio of [HCO3-] / [H2CO3] in blood can be calculated using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and the equilibrium constant (Ka). In this case, the ratio is determined by the Ka₁ value of carbonic acid, which is 4.30 × 10-7. Therefore, the correct answer is option B. 4.30 × 10-7.