The pH of blood at body temperature is — Ionic Equilibrium Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The pH of the blood buffer system can be calculated using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: $\text{pH} = pK_a + \log(\frac{[\text{HCO}_3^-]}{[\text{H}_2\text{CO}_3]})$. Given that $pK_a = 6.40$ and the ratio is 8:1, $\text{pH} = 6.40 + \log(8) = 6.40 + 3\log(2) = 6.40 + 3(0.3) = 6.40 + 0.90 = 7.3$. Therefore, correct answer is C.