Q. 10.79 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Sometimes, during stress or trauma, a person can start to hyperventilate. Then the person might breathe into a paper bag to avoid fainting. (10.8)

a. What changes occur in the blood $\mathrm{pH}$ during hyperventilation?

h. How does breathing into a paper bag help return blood pH to normal??

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(Part a) Hyperventilation lowers the${\mathrm{CO}}_2$level in the blood, reducing the  ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3$concentration and thus reduce the ${\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}$and raise the blood's pH .

(Part b)Breathing into a bag raises the temperature.${\mathrm{CO}}_2$level, raise the${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3$, increase ${\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}$as well as lowering the blood pH

Step 1:Introduction(Part a)

When the rate of breathing or tidal volume eliminates more carbon dioxide than the body can produce, This is known as hyperventilation. This results in hypocapnia, or a decrease in the concentration of carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood.

Step 2:Hyperventilation (part a)

(a) Hyperventilation reduces the ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ level in the blood, which lowers the${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3$ concentration and hence decrease the ${\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}$and increase the blood ph.

Step 3:Introduction

Blood is typically mildly basic, with a pH range of about$7.35$ to $7.45$. The body normally maintains a blood pH of around$7.40$. An increase in alkaline levels causes an increase in pH . When the levels of acid in the blood are too high, the condition is known as acidosis.

Step 4: Breathing into a bag (part b)

(b)Breathing into a bag raises the ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ level, increase the${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3$, increase ${\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}$and lower the blood $pH$.