Explain how the pH of seawater remains slightly alkaline AND relatively constant
What will be an ideal response?
The salinity of seawater is maintained by the carbonate buffering system. When carbon dioxide dissolves in water, a hydrogen ion (H+) and a bicarbonate ion (HCO3?) are formed. The bicarbonate ion (HCO3?) can oxidize and lose an additional hydrogen ion (H+) and form carbonate (CO3?2). The ability of carbonate (CO3?2 ) to gain a hydrogen ion (H+) allows the ocean to maintain a relatively constant pH. When the pH of seawater drops becoming weakly acidic, the carbonate ions (CO3?2 ) combine with hydrogen ions to form bicarbonate, raising the pH. When the pH becomes too alkaline, the bicarbonate ions (HCO3?) in seawater lose hydrogen ions (H+) lowering the pH.
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A) A.
B) B.
C) C.
D) D.
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