Chapter 20, Problem 31RQ

The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is a mathematical expression of the relationship between pH, HCO3⁻ concentration, and dissolved CO₂ concentration. One variant of the equation uses P ${\text{P}}_{\text{CO}}{}_{{}_2}$instead of dissolved CO₂ concentration:

1. a. If arterial blood has a ${\text{P}}_{\text{CO}}{}_{{}_2}$ of 40 mm Hg and its HCO₃⁻ concentration is 24 mM, what is its pH? (Use a log table or calculator with a logarithmic function capability.)
2. b. What is the pH of venous blood with the same HCO₃^−- concentration but a ${\text{P}}_{\text{CO}}{}_{{}_2}$ of 46 mm Hg?