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Unique Nature of Pure Water
Physical Properties of Sea Water
Chemical Properties of Sea Water
Ocean Acidification
Carbon Cycle
100
What type of bond holds water molecules together?
Hydrogen bond
100
What is the average salinity of ocean water?
About 35 parts per thousand (ppt).
100
What are the two most common ions in seawater?
Sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻).
100
What gas causes ocean acidification when absorbed by seawater?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂).
100
What is the main form of carbon in the atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂).
200
What is the term for water molecules sticking to each other?
Answer: What is cohesion?
Cohesion
200
What two factors most affect seawater density?
Temperature and salinity.
200
What process keeps the proportions of dissolved elements constant?
The rule of constant proportions.
200
What acid forms when CO₂ mixes with seawater?
Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃).
200
What process by plants removes CO₂ from the atmosphere?
Photosynthesis
300
Why does ice float on water?
Because solid water is less dense than liquid water.
300
Why does cold, salty water sink below warm, fresh water?
Because it is denser.
300
What happens to oxygen levels with increasing depth?
They generally decrease due to less photosynthesis and more respiration.
300
How does ocean acidification affect marine shells and corals?
It dissolves calcium carbonate structures.
300
How does the ocean act as a carbon sink?
It absorbs and stores large amounts of CO₂.
400
What allows water to dissolve so many substances?
Its polarity
400
How does evaporation affect salinity?
It increases salinity by removing pure water and leaving salts behind.
400
How does salinity affect freezing point?
Higher salinity lowers the freezing point of seawater.
400
What happens to ocean pH as more CO₂ dissolves?
It decreases (becomes more acidic).
400
What role do marine organisms play in the carbon cycle?
They use carbon to build shells and skeletons.
500
How does hydrogen bonding affect water’s specific heat?
It gives water a high specific heat, allowing it to resist temperature change.
500
What is a thermocline?
A layer of rapid temperature change with depth in the ocean.
500
Why is seawater slightly basic (around pH 8)?
Because dissolved carbonates act as buffers.
500
Why is ocean acidification considered harmful to marine ecosystems?
It disrupts food chains and weakens coral reefs.
500
How does burning fossil fuels impact the carbon cycle?
It adds excess CO₂, enhancing the greenhouse effect and ocean acidification.