Manucduc, Jovilin P.

Date Performed:

August 18, 2016

Group No. 7

Date Submitted:

August 25, 2016

Experiment No. 2
PHYSIOLOGICAL BUFFER ACTION
Answers to guide questions:
1. The starting point of pH was low but it increased as more NaOH
solution was added. The curve had minimal differences at first with
regards to its pH until it surged upward (pH=5.71-6.76) as NaOH was
added. At this point, the experiment has reached the equivalent point
which means it is 100 percent done1. Based on our results, at pH=
6.76 to 7.06 is the range where the acetic acid/acetate system can
effectively resist pH. It is at this point that the equivalence point was
completed already and a buffer solution was formed after which
caused a large increase in pH2.
2. Phosphate buffer system and ammonia-ammonium buffer system are
the buffer systems present in urine. Phosphate Buffer is an important
intracellular buffer in the tubular fluids of kidneys where phosphate
becomes greatly concentrated in the tubules 3. Ammonia-ammonium
buffer system is used to eliminate H + ions from the blood which
resulted from the removal of chloride in the urine without the need for
high urine acidity3. Diseases associated with acidic pH are diabetic
ketoacidosis,

severe

diarrhea,

and

respiratory

diseases

like

emphysema where CO2 retention occurs4. Diseases associated with

basic pH are urinary tract infection, kidney diseases, asthma5.
3. Hyperventilation occurs due to a disturbance in the pH balance
involved in breathing. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when the body

receives more amount of oxygen than it needs and releases more

carbon dioxide. Brown bag or paper bag is used to re-breathe the
bodys exhaled carbon dioxide to bring back the normal pH level of
the body6.
CO2 + HOH <===> H2CO3 <===> H+ + HCO3-

If there is an

excess loss of carbon dioxide from the lungs, it is also low in the
blood. If carbon dioxide is low, the equilibrium shifts left, as a result
the hydrogen ion concentration decrease, which results in the pH
increasing7.
References
1

Dilan, R. H. 2007. Laboraty Manual in Analytical Chemistry for Non-

Chemistry Majors.
2

pH

Titration

Curves.

Available

from:

http://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/acidbaseeqia/phcurves.html
[Retrieved: 2016, Aug 23]
3

Hinwood, B.G. A Textbook of Science for the Health Professions, 2 nd Ed..

Stanley Thornes (Publishers) Ltd, 1987.

4

Martin, L. J. Urine pH Test. Available from: medlineplus.gov. [Retrieved :

2016, Aug 23]

5

Healthwise Staff. Urine Test. Available from: webmd.com. [Retrieved: 2016,

Aug 23]
6

Hyperventialtion.

Available

from:

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2013/04/why-people-breathe-intoa-paper-bag-when-hyperventilating/. [Retrieved: 2016, Aug 23]

Ophardt,

C.

E.

2003.

Respiratory

Alkalosis.

chemistry.elmhurst.edu [Retrieved: 2016, Aug 23]

Available

from: