Question

2. Coral reefs are composed of microorganisms that acquire calcium ions (Ca²+) and carbonate ions (CO²)

from ocean water to build exoskeletons composed of calcium carbonate. Ocean acidification can affect the
ability of these organisms to acquire carbonate ions. Scientists have observed that the amount of carbon
dioxide dissolved in ocean water has been increasing for the last 150 years. Correspondingly, the pH of
ocean water has been decreasing.
a. How does an increase of carbon dioxide in ocean water result in a decrease in pH?
b. What do you think has caused the increased carbon dioxide levels in the oceans?

Answer 1

Answer: Your welcome!

Step-by-step explanation:

a. An increase in carbon dioxide in ocean water results in a decrease in pH because carbon dioxide increases the acidity of the water. The increase in carbon dioxide in the ocean causes a reaction with the water molecules to form carbonic acid, which causes the pH of the water to decrease.

b. The increased carbon dioxide levels in the oceans are likely caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. These activities release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which is then absorbed by the oceans.

Answer 2

a. When carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water, it reacts with water molecules to form carbonic acid (H2CO3). This reaction increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the water, which lowers the pH, making it more acidic. The increased carbon dioxide in ocean water leads to the production of more hydrogen ions, leading to a decrease in pH.

b. The increased carbon dioxide levels in the oceans are caused by human activities such as burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other land-use changes. These activities release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and about one-third of this carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans. As a result, the oceans have absorbed a significant amount of carbon dioxide, leading to increased acidity and other consequences such as coral bleaching and the decline of marine biodiversity.