Question

True/False: Sulfites are often omitted from studies on soil acid-base potential because they are considered too labile and short-lived.

Answer 1

False

Step-by-step explanation:

Sulfites can play an important role in soil chemistry. Sulfites are chemical compounds that contain sulfur and oxygen, and they can be found in various forms in soil. Sulfites are often present in soils as a result of natural processes, such as the decomposition of organic matter or the weathering of minerals. They can also be added to soil through human activities, such as the use of sulfur-containing fertilizers or the burning of fossil fuels. In soil, sulfites can undergo transformations and reactions that can affect the acid-base potential of the soil. For example, they can react with water to form sulfuric acid, which can increase soil acidity. This can have implications for plant growth and nutrient availability in the soil. Therefore, sulfites are not overlooked in studies on soil acid-base potential. Instead, researchers take into account the presence and behavior of sulfites to better understand and manage soil chemistry.

Answer 2

True, sulfites are commonly omitted from soil acid-base potential studies due to their lability and propensity to undergo air oxidation, which makes them unstable and short-lived.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that sulfites are often omitted from studies on soil acid-base potential because they are too labile and short-lived is True. Sulfites, such as those derived from sulfurous acid, are unstable and readily undergo oxidation upon exposure to air, turning into sulfates.

Solutions of sulfites contain sulfates after being exposed to air due to their susceptibility to air oxidation. Factors affecting the stability include the presence of bacteria that metabolize sulfites, which can alter their concentration unless preservatives are used. These characteristics make sulfites unsuitable for long-term soil acid-base potential studies, as their concentration can change quickly and unpredictably, hence they are often omitted.