Question

The question is Did the combination of carbonic acid and bicarbonate function as a buffer? Support your response with data.

Buffers are chemical mixtures that resist pH change when exposed to acids or bases. They contain both a weak proton donor and weak proton acceptor. The former neutralizes any strong bases added and the latter neutralizes any strong acids added to the buffer. Our bodies rely upon a combination of three different buffers to maintain stable pH: the bicarbonate buffer system, the phosphate buffer system and the protein buffer system. Although they involve different chemicals, all three systems function as discussed here.

Bicarbonate buffer testing:

    a) Use a graduated cylinder to add 10mL of DI water to a different 125mL Erlenmeyer flask.

                b) Labe the flask “bicarbonate test”. ?

    c) Add a small amount of sodium bicarbonate to the flask (about the size of a pea) and swirl it around until dissolved. ?

    d) Add 10 drops of bromothymol blue indicator to the flask and record ?your observations. ?

    e) Use a straw to gently bubble your breath through the water for about 1 minute. Do not drink the water or suck it up the straw! Record your observations. ?

Observations:

Before bubbling: The solution has a dark blue color.

After bubbling: There were nothing changes.

Answer 1