Another buffer system that is present in human blood is the phosphate buffer sys

Question

Another buffer system that is present in human blood is the phosphate buffer system, consisting of HPO_4^2- (acts as a weak base) and H_2PO_4^- (a weak acid). It acts to neutralize any increase in H^+ or OH^- that might occur in the body. Which component of this phosphate buffer would neutralize added H^+ and which would neutralize added OH^-? Write the two equations that demonstrate the neutralizations that occur with added acid or base. When H^+ is add the change is restricted by H_2PO_2^-4and when OH is added it is neutralized by HPO^2- 4 J

Explanation / Answer

HPO4-2 weak base

H2PO4- weak acid

on addition of H+ weak base is neutralised

HPO4-2 + H + ------------------> H2PO4-

on addition of OH- weak acid is neutralised

H2PO4- + OH- -----------------> HPO4-2 + H2O

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