A buffer problem, I need serious help

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the critical role of blood pH and its buffering systems, specifically the HCO3-/CO2 system. Blood pH must remain between 7.35 and 7.45 for cellular function, with lethal consequences if it deviates beyond 6.8 or 8.0. The user calculated the concentration of bicarbonate ([HCO3-]) at 0.024 M and sought assistance in determining the resulting concentration of dissolved CO2 ([CO2 (aq)]) when 0.01 M H+ is added to blood. The user also attempted to calculate the concentration of H+ required to lower blood pH to 6.8, arriving at a value of 1.58 x 10^-7 M, but sought confirmation of this calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid-base chemistry and pH scale
  • Knowledge of buffer systems, particularly HCO3-/CO2
  • Familiarity with equilibrium constants (K values) and their calculations
  • Basic skills in logarithmic calculations and antilogarithms
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of blood buffering and the HCO3-/CO2 equilibrium
  • Study the calculation of equilibrium constants and their implications in biological systems
  • Learn about the physiological effects of pH changes in blood and their impact on cellular functions
  • Explore advanced topics in acid-base balance and respiratory compensation mechanisms
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Students in biology or chemistry, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the physiological importance of blood pH and buffering systems.

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A buffer problem, I need serious help!

3. Blood has a normal pH of 7.35-7.45 and contains two major buffer systems. It is important that the pH of blood remains relatively constant because at pH below 6.8 or greater than 8.0, cells cannot function properly and death may result. The HCO3-/CO2 (aq) blood buffer in vivo is an open system in which the concentration of dissolved CO2 is maintained constant. Any excess CO2 produced by the reaction H+ + HCO3- ---> H2O + CO2 is expelled by the lungs. Note that a typical laboratory buffer is a closed system. The concentration of conjugate acid increases when H+ reacts with the conjugate base.
You calculated the Keq and pK of Reaction (4) from the following reactions and K values in lecture.
CO2 (g) <==> CO2 (aq) K1 = 3 x 10-5 at 37oC.
CO2 (aq) + H2O (l) <==> H2CO3 (aq) K2 = 5 x 10-3 at 37oC
H2CO3 (aq) <==> H+ (aq) + HCO3- (aq) pKa = 3.8 at 37oC
CO2 (aq) + H2O (l) <==> H+ (aq) + HCO3- (aq) K4 = ?
You calculated the [HCO3-] = 0.024 M in blood at pH 7.4. Calculate the [CO2 (aq)] in blood at this pH.
0.01 M H+ is added to blood. You calculated the pH of blood under conditions such that the increased [CO2 (aq)] can be released as CO2 (g). In other words, assume that the blood buffer is an open system. Remember that the [CO2 (aq)] remains constant in this open buffer system.

a. Cells cannot function property if the pH of blood falls below 6.8 or rises above 8.0. Calculate the amount in M of H+ that is added to blood for the blood pH to fall to 6.8.

here's what i did i took the PH of 6.8 and i took the antilog which is 10^-6.8
which equals 1.58*10^-7 M which equals the concentration of H+, but I am not sure if I am right.
 
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wheres the help, u didnt even say whether i was right or wrong
 

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