Question 48
When a person hyperventilates, they breathe very
quickly, exhaling CO$_2$ more quickly than it can be
produced. This reduces the concentration of CO$_2$
in the blood. According to the chemical equation
below and LeChatelier's principle, how is the
bicarbonate equilibrium affected by the reduction
of CO$_2$ in the blood?
CO$_2$ + H$_2$O $\rightleftharpoons$ H$_2$CO$_3$ $\rightleftharpoons$ HCO$_3^-$ + H$_3$O$^+$
a. The equilibrium is unchanged.
b. More H$_3$O$^+$ is produced.
c. The equilibrium is shifted to the right.
d. The H$_3$O$^+$ concentration decreases.
e. More HCO$_3^-$ is produced.
