Ocean Acidification

How much of the CO₂ in the atmosphere will be absorbed by the oceans?

• all of it

• 1/2

• 1/4

• none of it

Answer explanation

About 1/4 of the CO2 emitted into the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans. This process helps regulate atmospheric CO2 levels, making 1/4 the correct answer.

Man made carbon dioxide comes from the burning of fossil fuels.  An example of a fossil fuel is

• wood

• oil

• shale

Answer explanation

Oil is a fossil fuel derived from ancient organic materials, making it a primary source of man-made carbon dioxide when burned. Wood is not a fossil fuel, and shale refers to a type of rock, not a fuel itself.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

Ocean acidification begins with 

• pollution from ships

• carbon dioxide released from combustion

• dumping of waste from cities into the ocean

Answer explanation

Ocean acidification begins with carbon dioxide released from combustion, which dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid. This process lowers the pH of the ocean, leading to acidification.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

Carbon dioxide and seawater combine to form

• calcium carbonate

• carbon monoxide

• carbonic acid 

Answer explanation

Carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3). This process is crucial in ocean chemistry, affecting pH levels and marine life. Therefore, the correct answer is carbonic acid.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

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Marine organisms make their shells from calcium and

• chloride

• carbonate

• seawater

Answer explanation

Marine organisms, such as mollusks and corals, primarily use calcium carbonate to form their shells. This compound provides structural support and protection, making 'carbonate' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

Carbon dioxide levels in the air have changed throughout earth's history.  The difference today is how ______ the change is happening.

• rapidly 

• slowly 

• wide spread

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'rapidly' because current carbon dioxide changes are occurring at an unprecedented speed compared to historical fluctuations, highlighting the urgency of climate change.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Which molecule makes water acidic?

• Carbonate Ions

• Carbon Dioxide

Answer explanation

Carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which increases the acidity of the water. Therefore, carbon dioxide is the molecule that makes water acidic.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

What happens to 1/4 of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

• It is released into space.

• It gets absorbed by the ocean.

Answer explanation

About 1/4 of greenhouse gases are absorbed by the ocean, which helps mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. This process is crucial for maintaining the Earth's climate balance.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

According to this slide

• CO₂ is causing marine life to die by "poisoning' the water

• CO₂ is destroying sea shells

• CO₂ is formed from the combustion of Octane

Answer explanation

CO2 is known to cause ocean acidification, which negatively impacts marine organisms, particularly those with calcium carbonate shells, leading to their destruction. This aligns with the correct answer regarding CO2 destroying sea shells.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

This image demonstrates that

• There is a direct correlation with the atmospheric CO₂ and the CO₂ in seawater

• That pH of the ocean increases as the atmospheric CO₂ increases

• That there is no correlation between pH of the ocean and atmospheric CO₂

Answer explanation

The image shows that as atmospheric CO2 levels rise, CO2 concentrations in seawater also increase, indicating a direct correlation between the two, which supports the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

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