One of the buffers that contribute to pH stability in human blood is carbonic acid (H2CO3). Carbonic acid is a weak acid that, when placed in an aqueous solution, dissociates into a bicarbonate ion (HCO3- and a hydrogen ion (H+). Thus,
H2CO3 ↔ HCO3- + H+
If the pH of the blood increases, one would expect
A) a decrease in the concentration of H2CO3 and an increase in the concentration of HCO3-.
B) an increase in the concentration of H2CO3 and a decrease in the concentration of HCO3-.
C) a decrease in the concentration of HCO3- and an increase in the concentration of H+.
D) an increase in the concentration of HCO3- and a decrease in the concentration of OH-.
E) a decrease in the concentration of HCO3- and an increase in the concentration of both H2CO3 and H+.
