Chemical Properties Of Water

Describe why the water molecule is polar.

Water molecules are polar because the oxygen atoms share electrons with each of the hydrogen atoms. This sharing of electrons is unequal/POLAR and is referred to as covalent bonding.

Describe some of the important properties of water that result from hydrogen bonding.

Some of the important properties of water that result from hydrogen bonding are:

High Heat of vaporization.

High cohesion/surface tension.

Water's cohesive and adhesive forces cause water to be attracted to itself and to other elements. This is ultimately due to its polarity, which is ultimately due to the shape of the water molecule (micky mouse).

Most abundant salt ions in the oceans are:

Chloride (Cl-) and sodium (Na+).

Average salinity of the oceans is:

3.5%

Two main reasons for ocean salinity:

River runoff from rocks (rainwater's acidity breaks down rocks on land, releasing the two main salt ions into rivers, which ultimately carry these ions to oceans).

Hydrothermal vents (seawater seeps into the cracks in the seafloor and is heated by magma. This leaches minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and sulfates and ultimately dissolves in the water or precipitates out.

Compensation depth:

The depth at which the rate of photosynthesis is equal to respiration.

Describe the role of the biological pump and explain its significance in the global carbon cycle.

The biological pump moves carbon from the atmosphere to the deep ocean. This ultimately helps regulate atmospheric CO2 levels. PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN CONTROLLING EARTH'S CLIMATE.

Describe the role of phytoplankton in the biological pump and in the production of atmospheric oxygen.

Phytoplankton are at the upper area of the ocean and absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and use sunlight to create organic matter through photosynthesis.

Through Phyto's photosynthesis, they release oxygen as a byproduct. Making up a large portion of the Earth's oxygen.

Describe the significance of the whale pump.

Whales release waste at the surface which is packed with important nutrients such as nitrogen and iron.

These nutrients act as a fertilizer for phytoplankton, helping them grow and photosynthesize more efficiently.

What gas and process is more abundant in the ocean's surface?

Oxygen (O2) and photosynthesis is more abundant at the ocean's surface.

What gas and process is more abundant in the deep ocean?

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and respiration is more abundant in the deep ocean.