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Date May 2017 Marks available 1 Reference code 17M.3.sl.TZ1.20
Level SL Paper 3 Time zone TZ1
Command term Calculate Question number 20 Adapted from N/A

Question

The buffer formed by carbon dioxide, CO2(aq) and hydrogen carbonate ion, HCO3(aq), plays an important role in maintaining the pH of blood.

Calculate the pH of the buffer from the following data and section 1 of the data booklet.

pKa(CO2) = 6.34

[HCO3(aq)] = 1.40 × 10−2 mol dm−3

[CO2(aq)] = 1.25 × 10−3 mol dm−3

[1]
a.

Explain the effect of a large amount of aspirin on the pH of blood.

[2]
b.

Markscheme

«pH = pKa + log10 ( [ HC O 3 ] [ C O 2 ] ) = 6.34 + log 10 ( 11.2 ) = 6.34 + 1.05 » = 7.39

[1 mark]

a.

H+ from aspirin reacts with HCO3 to form CO2 and H2O
OR
H+(aq) + HCO3(aq) CO2(aq) + H2O(l)
OR
reverse reaction favoured «to use up some of the H+ added»

pH decreases

 

No mark for “stating aspirin is a weak acid that dissociates partially to produce H+” without reference to reaction with HCO3− or to the equation.

Reversible arrows not required for the mark.

Do not accept “small pH change when small amount of H+ is added”.

[2 marks]

b.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.

Syllabus sections

Options » D: Medicinal chemistry » D.4 pH regulation of the stomach
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Options » D: Medicinal chemistry
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