The maximum permissible value of in human blood to just prevent alkalosis is — Ionic Equilibrium Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Alkalosis occurs when the blood pH exceeds 7.4. To prevent it, the pH must be bounded at $\text{pH} = 7.4$. Using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: $7.4 = 6.40 + \log(\frac{[\text{HCO}_3^-]}{[\text{H}_2\text{CO}_3]})$. This means $\log(\frac{[\text{HCO}_3^-]}{[\text{H}_2\text{CO}_3]}) = 1.0$, which implies the ratio of base to acid is 10. The question asks for the inverted ratio $\frac{[\text{H}_2\text{CO}_3]}{[\text{HCO}_3^-]}$, which is $\frac{1}{10} = 0.1$. Therefore, correct answer is A.