Question

Assuming that there is a constant partial pressure for oxygen, according to Le Châtelier’s Principle which of the following occurs when body temperature decreases during hypothermia?

Answer 1

Answer:

B. The amount of oxygen will decreases

Explanation:

According to Le Châtelier’s Principle, when the condition of the system changes the equilibrium will shift to compensate for the changes. When temperature decrease, the pressure will also decrease and this will shift the equilibrium to the side with exothermic reaction or less molecule count.

The question is not giving the equilibrium reaction of oxygen, so I assume its

O2 + Hb = HbO2

Since the number of molecules in the right side is lower, then the number of oxygen will decrease since the reaction will shift to the right.