Chapter 14, Problem 94UTC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The buffer between carbonic acid and bicarbonate in blood.

Concept introduction:

• A buffer will favour small changes in pH due to equilibrium balance
• The addition of acid, will favour the formation of carbonic acid, so the system buffers the hydronium ion concentration
• The addition of base, will favour the formation of bicarbonate ion, so the system buffers the hydroxide ion concentration

To explain

How the carbonic acid−bicarbonate buffer works.