Acids & Bases
This type of substance releases H+ ions when dissolved in water.
Acids
On the pH scale, more H+ means the solution is this
more acidic / lower pH
If students add acid to seawater, you would expect this to happen to pH and carbonate concentration.
pH decreases and carbonate decreases
Oysters build their shells from this compound
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
This common weak acid is the main component of vinegar.
Acetic Acid
This paper turns red in acids and blue in bases.
Litmus
Name two measurements you would record in an experiment testing acid addition effects on CaCO₃ solubility.
pH and carbonate concentration; alkalinity; shell mass
Name one direct effect of ocean acidification on shell-forming larva
deformation / dissolution / mortality
Strong acids differ from weak acids because they do this fully, releasing many ions.
Dissociate
A solution with pH 7 is described as this.
Neutral
Le Chatelier’s Principle predicts how equilibria respond when conditions are changed. True or False
True
This other echinoderm in the reading is harmed by reduced carbonate availability
sea urchin
This gas is produced when acids react with certain metals
Hydrogen Gas
If ocean water becomes more acidic, the concentration of this ion deacreases
Carbonate (CO32-)
When the rate of precipitation equals the rate of dissolution, the solution is described as thi
Saturated
Describe (in 1–2 words) why larvae are more vulnerable than adults
incomplete shell formation / early development
This base is important for oyster shells.
Calcium carbonate
Name the species formed when H+ combines with CO32-
Bicarbonate
(HCO3-)
This process describes CaCO₃ changing from solid to dissolved form
dissolution
Propose one aquaculture management action to protect shellfish from short-term acidification events
add buffering agents to raise pH; monitor and aerate to reduce CO₂; use selective breeding