Problem 99 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

The bleeding from a wound is stopped by the application of ferric chloride as (a) blood starts flowing in the opposite direction (b) ferric chloride seals the blood vessels (c) blood reacts and a solid is formed which seals the blood vessels (d) blood is coagulated and the blood vessels are sealed.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(d) blood is coagulated and the blood vessels are sealed.

Step 1: Understanding the Role of Ferric Chloride

Ferric chloride is a chemical compound used to stop bleeding by interacting with blood to create a barrier. It's important to understand its mechanism to determine how it functions.

Step 2: Examining Blood Coagulation

The process of coagulation involves blood clotting, which stops bleeding. Many chemicals like ferric chloride can promote coagulation by creating conditions where blood solids, called clots, form more easily.

Step 3: Analyzing Options for Correct Function

Look at each option to see which aligns with what ferric chloride typically does. Options (a) to (c) are incorrect in this context because it's ferric chloride's coagulation effect that stops bleeding by sealing blood vessels with a clot.

Step 4: Selecting the Correct Answer

The option that correctly describes the action of ferric chloride is (d): "blood is coagulated, and the blood vessels are sealed." This reflects the clotting and sealing process initiated by ferric chloride.

Key Concepts

Ferric Chloride

Ferric chloride is a yellowish-brown chemical compound with noteworthy applications in treating bleeding. It acts as a coagulating agent, meaning it helps stop bleeding by causing the blood to form a gel-like clump or clot.
When applied to a wound, ferric chloride promotes the rapid formation of insoluble protein structures. These structures work within the blood to create a physical block, stopping further blood flow.

• Acts quickly to reduce bleeding time.
• Decreases the risk of excessive blood loss.

This ability to promote coagulation makes ferric chloride a useful tool in first aid and medical scenarios where quick action is vital.

Blood Coagulation

Blood coagulation is the body's natural response to stop bleeding from damaged vessels. It's a complex process that transforms blood from a liquid into a semi-solid state.
This clotting process begins with platelets, small blood cells that stick to the site of injury. They release chemicals that attract more platelets, forming a plug. Next, a cascade of chemical reactions strengthens the plug. Proteins in the blood, known as clotting factors, interact to create a mesh that solidifies the clot.

• Involves platelets and clotting factors working together.
• Essential for wound healing and preventing blood loss.

Thus, coagulation is a crucial mechanism that ferric chloride enhances, stopping blood flow from the wound site effectively.

Blood Clotting

Blood clotting, a key part of coagulation, involves several steps that ensure efficient wound recovery. When blood vessels are injured, they constrict to reduce blood flow.
Then, the above-mentioned platelets come into play, becoming sticky and clumping together to form a primary, albeit fragile, plug.
The clotting factors mentioned earlier take over to create a more stable clot. They transform fibrinogen, a protein found in blood plasma, into fibrin threads that weave through the platelet plug.

• Clot stabilizes and reinforces the initial plug.
• Ensures a strong barrier against continued bleeding.

In scenarios like these, external agents such as ferric chloride can accelerate and strengthen this natural process, sealing the wound and restoring vascular integrity seamlessly.