Chapter 2 Transportdissolved nutrients and gases

Dissolved carbon dioxide and the pH of water

perform a first-hand investigation to demonstrate the effect

of dissolved carbon dioxide on the pH of water

Investigation 1
Background information
1.

Draw a pH scale and label the neutral point and the measurements that indicate
weak and strong acids and bases.

2.

Carbon dioxide is produced in living organisms as a result of cellular respiration.

When carbon dioxide dissolves in water it forms carbonic acid (which is toxic to
cells). Write a word equation to show this.

3.

Predict how you would expect carbonic acid to affect the pH of cells.

4.

Mammals breathe out carbon dioxide from their lungs. Outline how this can be
demonstrated in humans.

Aim

Copyright 2009 McGraw-Hill Australia. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

Safety
Outline strategies to minimise risks in the following activities:
Risk

Description of potential

Strategy to overcome

harm

risk

Blowing through a straw into

liquid
Handling glassware
Use of limewater
Method
(This is a summary or brief outline that you can use for study purposesdo not copy the
detailed method from your textbook.)

Results
1.

Limewater turns _____________ after ______minutes, indicating the presence of the

gas ___________ ________________ in exhaled air.

2.

Table of data: The effect of carbon dioxide on the pH of water:

(Insert headings and complete the table.)

Solution

pH

Descriptio
n

Distilled water

Neutral

Copyright 2009 McGraw-Hill Australia. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

Distilled

water

carbon

dioxide
Change in pH
Dissolved carbon dioxide causes water to become __________________.
Discussion
1.

Comment on the accuracy of the pH measurements that you have taken, and any
difficulties that you had.

2.

Describe the effect of carbon dioxide on the pH of the water.

3.

Explain the relationship between pH and the hydrogen ion concentration of a

solution (see page 45 of your textbook).

4.

Explain in chemical terms, what caused the change in the pH of the water in your
experiment.

5.

Mammals try to maintain a blood pH of 7.4. Outline why they need to get rid of
carbon dioxide from their cells as soon as possible

Conclusion
(Write a valid conclusion for this investigation.)

Investigation 2: An improved method of investigating the effect of dissolved carbon

dioxide on the pH of water
<CD D> Aim

Copyright 2009 McGraw-Hill Australia. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

Safety

Method

Results

Insert the computer graphed result below.

Insert a table below in which you record the data gathered.

Discussion
1.

Comment on the accuracy of using a data logger for finding the changing pH of
water as the amount of carbon dioxide increases.

2.

Discuss any other benefits of using the computer based technology rather than
relaying on observations of change using universal indicator solution.

Conclusion

Copyright 2009 McGraw-Hill Australia. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.

Questions
1.

Comment on the accuracy of the pH measurements that you have taken, and any
difficulties that you had.

2.

Describe the effect of carbon dioxide on the pH of the water.

3.

Explain the relationship between pH and the hydrogen ion concentration of a

solution (see page 45 of your textbook).

4.

Explain in chemical terms, what caused the change in the pH of the water in your
experiment.

5.

Mammals try to maintain a blood pH of 7.4. Outline why they need to get rid of
carbon dioxide from their cells as soon as possible

Copyright 2009 McGraw-Hill Australia. Permission is granted to reproduce for classroom use.