Question

Which can be explained as applications of Le- Chatelier's principle?

• A. Transport of oxygen by haemoglobin in blood
• B. Removal Of CO₂ from tissues by blood
• C. Tooth decay due to use of sweet substances
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

(i) The haemoglobin of RBC combines with oxygen in lungs following the equilibrium
H_b(s) + O₂(g) ⇌ H_bO₂(s)
When these are at lungs, the partial pressure of O₂ being appreciable to show forward reaction,
however, when they pass to tissues, the partial pressure of O₂ decreases to favour backward reaction
releasing O₂.
(i i) Removal of CO₂ from blood is based on the equilibrium,

In tissues CO₂ gets dissolved in H₂O due to high pressure whereas in lungs, the CO₂ is released out
because of low pressure of CO₂
(iii) Tooth enamel substance ( hydroxyapatite ) Ca₅ (PO₄)₃OH shows the following equilibrium,

The use of sweet material or fermentation produces H⁺ , which combines with OH^- to favour demineralization of enamel causing tooth decay.