What changes occur in the blood pH during hyperventilation?
Match the words in the left column to the appropriate blanks in the sentence on the right.
increases
decreases
Hyperventilation (blank) the CO2 concentration in the blood, which (blank)
the [H2CO3] which in turn (blank) the [H3O+] and (blank) the blood pH.
Hyperventilation decreases the CO2 concentration in the blood, which decreases the [H2CO3] which in turn decreases the [H3O+] and increases the blood pH.
Hyperventilation decreases the CO2 concentration in the blood, which decreases the [H2CO3] which in turn decreases the [H3O+] and increases the blood pH.
To determine the changes in blood pH during hyperventilation, we need to understand the relationship between CO2 concentration, H2CO3 concentration, [H3O+] concentration, and blood pH.
1. Hyperventilation (blank): decreases
During hyperventilation, the rate and depth of breathing increase, causing excess CO2 to be expelled from the body. When CO2 is expelled, its concentration in the blood decreases.
2. (blank) the CO2 concentration in the blood: decreases
As mentioned earlier, during hyperventilation, the CO2 concentration in the blood decreases due to excessive exhalation. This leads to a decrease in the amount of CO2 dissolved in the blood.
3. (blank) the [H2CO3] concentration: decreases
When CO2 reacts with water (H2O), it forms carbonic acid (H2CO3). With a decrease in CO2 concentration, the concentration of H2CO3 also decreases.
4. (blank) the [H3O+] concentration: decreases
The decrease in H2CO3 concentration causes a subsequent decrease in the concentration of hydronium ions ([H3O+]), which are formed when H2CO3 dissociates in water.
5. (blank) the blood pH: increases
A decrease in [H3O+] concentration results in a higher pH level since pH is inversely related to [H3O+]. The blood becomes more alkaline or basic due to the decrease in [H3O+] concentration.
Therefore, during hyperventilation, the CO2 concentration in the blood decreases, which subsequently decreases the H2CO3 concentration. This decrease in H2CO3 concentration leads to a decrease in [H3O+] concentration and an increase in blood pH.