Asked by Destiny Burks on May 06, 2024
Verified
Refer to chemical equation shown here to explain why carbon dioxide dissolved in water acts as a buffer.
H2O + CO2 ←→ H2CO3 ←→ H+ + HCO3
Buffer
A solution that resists changes in pH when acid or alkali is added, mainly composed of a weak acid and its conjugate base.
Chemical Equation
A symbolic representation of a chemical reaction, showing the reactants, products, and, in some cases, the direction of the reaction.
Carbon Dioxide
A clear, unscented gas resulting from the burning of carbon-containing compounds and the act of respiration, which plants use in the process of photosynthesis.
- Understand the principle of chemical buffers and their role in maintaining pH balance in solutions.
Verified Answer
ZK
Zybrea KnightMay 13, 2024
Final Answer :
The equation below shows what happens when CO2 dissolves in water:
H2O + CO2 ←→ H2CO3 ←→ H+ + HCO3−
H+ ions are produced with increased levels of CO2. If there is excess H+, HCO3− absorbs it to form carbonic acid, and if excess carbonic acid forms, CO2 bubbles out of solution.
H2O + CO2 ←→ H2CO3 ←→ H+ + HCO3−
H+ ions are produced with increased levels of CO2. If there is excess H+, HCO3− absorbs it to form carbonic acid, and if excess carbonic acid forms, CO2 bubbles out of solution.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the principle of chemical buffers and their role in maintaining pH balance in solutions.