The carbonate buffer system is very important in regulating blood ph levels. Car

Question

The carbonate buffer system is very important in regulating blood ph levels. Carbonic acid is diprotic and therefore has two Ka values: Ka1 4.2x10-7 Ka2 4.8x10-11 Since the second dissociation has a Ka value significantly smaller than that of the first dissociation, it can be assumed to have no effect on the H2CO3(aq)/????(aq) equilibrium. The pH of blood is 7.4. What is the ratio of carbonic acid to bicarbonate ion in blood? What properties of a buffer solution provides for a solution with a higher capacity to withstand chan ges in pH? Do a little research in this questions we will discuss two properties of a buffer solutions but there are more...

Explanation / Answer

Given that

Ka1 = (4.2 x 10^-7)

Ka2 = (4.8 x 10^-11)

pH of blood = 7.4

And

pKa1 = - log (4.2 x 10^-7)

pKa1 = 6.38

pH = pKa + log [conjugate base / acid]

7.40 = 6.38 + log [HCO3- / H2CO3]

[HCO3- / H2CO3] = 10^1.02

[HCO3- / H2CO3] = 10.47

Then the ratio of [H2CO3 / HCO3-] = 0.0955

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