Ocean Water Properties and Chemistry

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason that ocean water is unsuitable for drinking and agriculture?

  • The high concentration of dissolved salts, known as salinity. (correct)
  • The presence of minerals like magnesium and calcium.
  • The presence of dissolved gases like nitrogen and oxygen.
  • Its low temperature, making it harmful to consume.

From where does the majority of salt in ocean water originate?

  • Chemical reactions between seawater and volcanic gases.
  • Dissolution of minerals from rocks on land by rain and rivers. (correct)
  • Atmospheric deposition of salt particles.
  • Direct extraction from deep sea hydrothermal vents.

Besides sodium chloride, which of the following are also significant chemical components found in ocean water?

  • Lead, mercury, and arsenic.
  • Aluminum, silicon, and phosphorus.
  • Magnesium, sulfate, and calcium. (correct)
  • Iron, zinc, and copper.

Which of the following gases are naturally dissolved in ocean water?

<p>Nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can nitrogen-based fertilizers from agricultural runoff negatively impact ocean ecosystems?

<p>By leading to excessive growth of some plants, depleting dissolved oxygen. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Oceans are considered carbon sinks primarily because they perform which critical function?

<p>Absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does ocean water require more energy to change temperature compared to air?

<p>Ocean water has a higher heat capacity than air. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason ocean water freezes at a lower temperature than freshwater?

<p>Ocean water contains dissolved salts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does temperature primarily influence the density of ocean water?

<p>Colder water is denser than warmer water. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of characteristics would result in the densest ocean water?

<p>Cold and high salinity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Salinity

The amount of salt dissolved in water. It's the reason why ocean water tastes salty.

Concentration of Salt

A process where water from the surface of the ocean evaporates, leaving the salt behind, making the ocean water more salty.

Dissolved Gases in Ocean Water

Ocean water contains significant amounts of dissolved gases like nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), and carbon dioxide (CO2). These gases are crucial for marine life.

Nitrogen Runoff Impact

Fertilizer runoff containing nitrogen can cause excessive growth of ocean plants, leading to depletion of dissolved oxygen and harm to other marine life.

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Layered Ocean Water

Ocean water is layered with denser water sinking to the bottom and lighter water floating on top.

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Heat Capacity

The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of a substance by a specific amount.

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Ocean Carbon Sink

Oceans absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to regulate global climate.

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Density

The relative weight of a substance for a given volume. In ocean water, it's influenced by temperature and salinity.

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Freezing Point

The temperature at which a liquid turns into a solid.

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Study Notes

Ocean Water Properties

  • Ocean water covers about 97% of the Earth's water.
  • It is not potable due to high salinity (salt content).
  • Salt in oceans originates from land (eroded rocks, minerals, and volcanic activity).
  • Evaporation concentrates salt in the water.
  • Ocean water contains various salts (sodium chloride, magnesium, sulfate, calcium, potassium) and dissolved gases (nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide).

Salinity and Chemical Composition

  • Salinity is the amount of salt dissolved in water.
  • Ocean water's salinity is higher than freshwater.
  • Excess nitrogen from fertilizers can cause rapid plant growth in the ocean, depleting oxygen and harming marine life.
  • Oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (carbon sinks), influencing global climate.

Ocean Water Temperature

  • Ocean temperature varies geographically, highest at the equator, decreasing toward the poles.
  • Ocean water has a high heat capacity (requires more energy to change its temperature).
  • It takes a long time for ocean water to heat up and cool down.
  • Freezing point of ocean water is lower than freshwater (around 28°F).

Ocean Water Density

  • Ocean water density depends on salinity and temperature.
  • Higher salinity and lower temperature result in higher density.
  • Dense water sinks, less dense water floats.
  • This layering is important for ocean currents and life.

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