The pH of the blood is maintained by a buffering system consisting primarily of hydrogen carbonate ion (HCO₃^–) and H₃O⁺ in equilibrium with water and CO₂:

During exercise, CO₂ is produced at a rapid rate in muscle tissue.

(a) How does exercise affect the pH of blood?

(b) Hyperventilation (rapid and deep breathing) can occur during intense exertion. How does hyperventilation affect the pH of the blood?

(c) The normal first-aid treatment for hyperventilation is to have the patient breathe into a paper bag. Explain briefly why this treatment works and tell what effect the paper-bag treatment has on the pH of the blood. See Box 6G.1.

Transcribed Image Text:

H3O+ (aq) + HCO3 (aq) 2 H₂O(1) + CO₂(g)