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How does the water temperature affect the amount of carbon dioxide that can dissolve in the ocean?

User Limmen
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2 Answers

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Step-by-step explanation:

When the ocean is warm, it can hold less carbon dioxide in solution and the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is reduced.

User Csaam
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Final answer:

The temperature of water affects the amount of carbon dioxide that can dissolve in the ocean. As water temperature increases, the solubility of carbon dioxide decreases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The temperature of water affects the amount of carbon dioxide that can dissolve in the ocean. As water temperature increases, the solubility of carbon dioxide decreases. This means that warmer water can hold less carbon dioxide compared to colder water.

When water is cold, it can dissolve more carbon dioxide because the molecules of water are close together and can form more solute-solvent interactions with the carbon dioxide molecules. On the other hand, when water is warm, the molecules move faster and have weaker intermolecular forces, making it more difficult for carbon dioxide to dissolve.

For example, if you take a bottle of carbonated soda and leave it out in the sun, the soda will become warmer. As the temperature increases, the carbon dioxide in the soda will start to come out of solution and form bubbles. This is because the warmer water cannot hold as much carbon dioxide as the colder water in the fridge.

User Celeste
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