Explain how the pH of seawater remains slightly alkaline AND ...

[jCorn1234]

Explain how the pH of seawater remains slightly alkaline AND relatively constant.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Judge the following sentence according to the criteria given below: The Hawaiian Islands are safe from tropical cyclones BECAUSE they are islands near the center of a large ocean.
 
  A) The assertion and the reason are both correct, and the reason is valid.
  B) The assertion and the reason are both correct, but the reason is invalid.
  C) The assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect.
  D) The assertion is incorrect, but the reason is correct.
  E) Both the assertion and the reason are incorrect.

[jackie]

Answer to Question 1

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 (CO32). The ability of carbonate (CO32 ) 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 (CO32 ) 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.

Answer to Question 2

D

[jCorn1234]

Thank you!

[jackie]

Always glad to help...