What is the ratio of hco−3 to h2co3 in an exhausted marathon runner whose blood ph is 7.2?

The mentioned question can be solved with the help of Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. In biochemistry and chemistry, the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation can be used to find out the pH of a buffer solution comprising given concentrations of an acid and its conjugate base.

By using Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:

pH = pKa + log ([HCO³⁻] / [H₂CO₃])

pH = -log Ka + log ([HCO³⁻] / [H₂CO₃])

7.2 = -log (4.3 × 10⁻⁷) + log ([HCO³⁻] / [H₂CO₃])

log ([HCO³⁻] / [H₂CO₃]) = 0.83347

[HCO³⁻] / [H₂CO₃] = 10^0.83 = 6.8

Hence, the ratio of HCO³⁻ to H₂CO₃ in an exhausted runner would be 6.8 to 1.

answer: mercury

explanation: