Multiple Choice
Adding acid tends to __________ of a solution.
3. Water
Acids and Bases
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The absorption of human-generated CO2 by the oceans __________.
A
increases the oceanic concentration of carbonic acid
B
increases the oceans' acidity and pH
C
reduces the carbonate ion concentration in the oceans and threatens calcifying organisms in marine ecosystems
D
increases the hydrogen ion concentration in the oceans but decreases the carbonate ion concentration and threatens the livability of the oceans for organisms that produce calcium carbonate shells
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that when CO2 is absorbed by the ocean, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3). This is a key chemical reaction that initiates the process of ocean acidification.
Recognize that carbonic acid (H2CO3) dissociates into bicarbonate ions (HCO3^-) and hydrogen ions (H^+). The increase in hydrogen ions is what leads to increased acidity in the ocean.
Note that an increase in hydrogen ion concentration results in a decrease in pH, making the ocean more acidic.
Understand that the increased hydrogen ion concentration also reacts with carbonate ions (CO3^2-) to form more bicarbonate ions (HCO3^-), reducing the availability of carbonate ions.
Realize that the reduction in carbonate ion concentration threatens marine organisms that rely on carbonate ions to form calcium carbonate (CaCO3) shells and skeletons, such as corals and some shellfish, impacting marine ecosystems.
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