- A buffer solution resists the change in pH after the addition of small amounts of acid or base to it. - The given buffer solution is NaHCO₃ (acid) + Na₂CO₃ (conjugate base). - NaHCO₃ contains HCO₃⁻ and Na⁺ ions. Na₂CO₃ contains Na⁺ and CO₃²⁻ ions. Na⁺ ions do not show any effect on the pH of a solution. Therefore, HCO₃⁻ and CO₃²⁻ are responsible for the buffer action. HCO₃⁻ is the acidic component of the buffer. It neutralizes the small amounts of base added to it producing an equivalent amount of the conjugate base CO₃²⁻. HCO₃⁻(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → CO₃²⁻(aq) + H₂O(l) Acid conjugate base CO₃²⁻ is the basic component if the buffer. It neutralizes the small amounts of acid added to it producing an equivalent amount of the conjugate acid HCO₃⁻ CO₃²⁻(aq) + H₃O⁺(aq) → HCO₃⁻(aq) + H₂O(l) Base Conjugate acid - Therefore, even after the addition of a small amount of acid or base to the buffer, pH remains unchanged.
Answer:When a person hyperventilates they exhale more carbon dioxide than normal. As a result the carbon dioxide concentration in the blood is reduced and the bicarbonate/carbonic acid equilibrium shifts to the left. The corresponding drop in H3O+ concentration causes an increase in pH.
