Chap 9D - Acid-base equilibria

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Explain how ocean maintains stability

  1. When a small amount of acid is added, CO3^2- (aq) + H+ (aq) → HCO3- (aq)

  2. Large reservoir of CO3^2- remove the added H* ions and pH remains almost constant

  3. When a small amount of base is added, HCO3- (aq) + OH- (aq) → CO3^20 (aq) + H2O(i)

  4. Large reservoir of HCO3- remove the added OH- lons and pH remains almost constant

  5. This system helps maintain the ocean's pH around 8.1, which is slightly basic and optimal for marine life

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Describe ocean acidification

  • Human activities have increased atmospheric CO2

  • More CO2 dissolves in the ocean, forming more carbonic acid

  • Carbonic acid dissociates, releasing more H+ ions, which lowers the ocean's pH 

  • The overall rapid and large increase in H* ions can overwhelm the ocean's natural buffering system and reduce the concentration of carbonate ions

  • Calcifying organisms struggle to build and maintain their shells and skeletons, leading to weaker structures and greater vulnerability

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Describe other uses of buffer

  1. In industrial processes such as electroplating and manufacture of dyes, photographic materials

  2. In chemical analysis and for the calibration of pH meters

  3. In agriculture to maintain the pH of soll to optimise plant growth

  4. In bacteriological research to maintain the pH of culture medla used for the growth of bacteria

  5. In intravenous injections so as not to change the pH of blood

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Describe chemical reactions involved in ocean acidification

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Using chemical eqautions, explain ocean acidification

  • As [CO2(g)] increases, by Le Chatelier's Principle, the position of equilibrium in equation (1) shifts to the right, causing [H2CO3] to increase -> position of equilibrium in equation (2) to shift to the right, causing [HCO3-] to increase

  • As [HCO3-] increases, the position of equilibrium in equation (3) shifts to the right, leading to an increased [H+] -> causes the pH of seawater to decrease -> ocean acidification

  • Since the Industrial Revolution, the average pH of ocean surface waters has decreased by about 0.1 units, representing a 30% increase in acidity