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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    Description

    Explore the fascinating properties of ocean water, including its salinity, chemical composition, and temperature variation. Discover how these factors are crucial to marine ecosystems and their impact on climate. This quiz provides insight into the complex interactions within oceanic waters.

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