How does your body make this life saving trade? Your blood contains a buffer called sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). This weak base, produced in your body, is the same compound that is sold in the grocery store as baking soda. This compound reacts in an exchange reaction with strong acids to produce weak acids that contribute fewer hydrogen cations to a solution. Converting hydrochloric acid produced in your stomach to a weak acid raises your blood pH preventing acidosis. Complete the reaction below by writing the name of the weak acid in the blank.
HCl + NaHCO3
Answer (1)
The reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium bicarbonate produces carbonic acid as a weak acid. This process helps to raise blood pH and prevent acidosis. Understanding this reaction is essential for grasping the body's mechanism for maintaining acid-base balance. ;
