Question

Q11) It is crucial that the human body control the concentration of H ions for any significant change can lead to sickness or death. Breathing controls the amount of CO2 in the lungs which can ultimately impact the bodies H' concentration. 3 (ag) a) If the breathing rate is slowed down, the concentration of CO2 in the lungs increases. Use LeChatelier's principle and discuss how holding your breath can impact the H concentration. (This is called "respiratory acidosis") What would happen to the CO2concentration in the lungs through hyperventillation? Use LeChatelier's principle and discuss what would happen to the bodies H concentration. (This is called "respiratory alkalosis") b) ) Hemoglobin is a complicated molecule (Hb) which reacts with oxygen to form Hbo2, a substance that transfers oxygen (02) to the tissues in the body. (aq) 2(aq) 2(aq) Carbon monoxide is 140 times more attracted to hemoglobin than oxygen. Therefore, it binds tightly to Hb forming Hb CO removing free Hb from the body. Use Le Chatelier's principle and describe why CO poisoning is very dangerous.

Answer 1

Ans 11 :

According to the Le Chatelier's principle , whenever a reaction at equillibrium is subjected to any change in reaction conditions , the equillibrium shifts in a direction where the equillibrium can be re-estabilished again.

So here :

a) When the CO2 concentration in the lungs increase , the reaction moves forward in order to maintain the equillibrium.

This causes more formation of H+ ions in the body leading to respiratory acidosis.

So holding breath causes increase in H+ concentration.

b) Now in hyperventilation , when the body breathes very fast and CO2 is eliminated out of the body very quickly , the concentration of CO2 in body drops.

The reaction moves backward to re-estabilish equillibrium due to which the H+ concentration drops and pH increases.

This causes respiratory alkalosis.