Question

If you breathe too rapidly (hyperventilate), the concentration

of dissolved${\mathbf{CO}}_2$ in your blood drops. What effect does this have on the

pH of the blood?

Short answer

The pH of human blood increases.

Step-by-step solution

The oxide of carbon CO2

The oxide of carbon that is${\mathbf{CO}}_2$ is an example of acidic oxide. When it dissolves in water, it forms an acid called carbonic acid. The removal of acid from a solution, increases the pH of the solution.

Change in the pH of human blood

Hyperventilation (rapid breathing) can cause too little ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$and result in alkalosis

($\mathrm{pH}$blood becomes elevated). Therefore the$\mathrm{pH}$of the blood is increasing.