Module 12: Buffers Flashcards
End test 4
What are buffers?
Solutions that have a weak acid & its conjugate base
- or a weak base & its conjugate acid
What do buffers do?
They help resist change in pH when a strong acid/base is added to the solution
What is a buffer capacity?
(+/-)1 of buffer pH
limit before the buffer is destroyed
(limit to the amount of acid/base that can be added before buffer loses its ability to resist change)
Buffer capacity is _____ above or below buffer pH
1
What is the main buffering system?
Blood buffering system
What are the 3 buffering systems in the body?
- Blood
- Respiratory
- Renal
- Bicarbonate
- Phosphate
- Protein
The ______ & _______ systems helps control the blood pH buffering system
repiratory
renal
How does the respiratory buffering system work?
Carbonic acid buffer system
effects CO2 blood levels
When CO2 is dissolved in blood it produces carbonic acid –> if we are having issues with breathing out or respiratory depression (holding on to too much CO2) –> buildup of CO2 –> more carbonic acid in blood –> decreased pH
Increasing CO2 in the blood =
Decreases pH
How does the renal buffering system work?
Various buffer systems to remove hydrogen ions through the kidneys
What is another name for the blood buffering system?
Bicarbonic buffering system
What is the blood buffering system equilibrium equation?
2H2O + CO2 <==> H2CO3 + H2O <==> H3O+ + HCO3-
What is happening during the blood buffering system?
Water & CO2 are producing Carbonic acid (H2CO3) & interacting w/ more water to produce H3O & bicarbonic
2H2O + CO2 <==> H2CO3 + H2O <==> H3O+ + HCO3-
What does Le Chatelier’s principle state?
When a system at equilibrium is disturbed, the system will adjust to re-establish equilibrium
What is Carbonic acid?
H2CO3
