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?). Thus,
H2CO3 ? HCO3? + H?
If the pH of the blood increases, one would expect
A) a decrease in the concentration of H2CO3 and an increase in the concentration of HCO3?.
B) an increase in the concentration of H2CO3 and a decrease in the concentration of HCO3?.
C) a decrease in the concentration of HCO3? and an increase in the concentration of H?.
D) an increase in the concentration of HCO3? and a decrease in the concentration of OH?.
E) a decrease in the concentration of HCO3? and an increase in the concentration of both HH2CO3 and H?.
Answer: A
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