Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I) : A Buffer solution is the mixture of a salt and an acid or a base mixed in any particular quantities.
Statement (II) : Blood is naturally occurring buffer solution whose pH is maintained by $H_2CO_3/HCO_3^-$ concentrations.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II is true
• C. Both Statement I and Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is true but Statement II is false

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Analyze the validity of the provided statements regarding buffer solutions and physiological examples like blood.

1. Statement I: "A Buffer solution is the mixture of a salt and an acid or a base mixed in any particular quantities."
   • This statement is false. A buffer solution is specifically a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid, in appropriate proportions. This composition allows for pH stability when small amounts of acid or base are introduced.
2. Statement II: "Blood is naturally occurring buffer solution whose pH is maintained by \(H_2CO_3/HCO_3^-\) concentrations."
   • This statement is true. Blood functions as a natural buffer system, primarily regulated by the carbonic acid (\(H_2CO_3\)) and bicarbonate (\(HCO_3^−\)) pair. This system effectively maintains blood pH within the physiological range of approximately 7.4.

In summary, Statement I is false, while Statement II is true. This accurately reflects the definition of buffer solutions and the specific buffering action observed in blood.