Questions: Which of the following equations best represents the chemical changes that occur during ocean acidification? A CO2 + Ca+ + CO3 2- → CaCO3 (B) 6 CO2 + 6 H2 O → C6 H12 O6 + 6 O2 (C) CO2 + H2 O → 2 H+ + CO3 2- (D) CH4 + 2 O2 → CO2 + 2 H2 O

Solution Steps

Ocean acidification refers to the process by which the pH of the ocean decreases due to the absorption of carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\)) from the atmosphere. This process involves chemical reactions that increase the concentration of hydrogen ions (\(\mathrm{H}^{+}\)) in seawater.

• Equation A: \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}+\mathrm{Ca}^{+}+\mathrm{CO}_{3}^{2-} \rightarrow \mathrm{CaCO}_{3}\)
  This equation represents the formation of calcium carbonate, not ocean acidification.

• Equation B: \(6 \mathrm{CO}_{2}+6 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightarrow \mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{12} \mathrm{O}_{2}+6 \mathrm{O}_{2}\)
  This equation represents photosynthesis, not ocean acidification.

• Equation C: \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{H}^{+}+\mathrm{CO}_{3}^{2-}\)
  This equation shows the formation of hydrogen ions and carbonate ions, which is a key part of ocean acidification.

• Equation D: \(\mathrm{CH}_{4}+2 \mathrm{O}_{2} \rightarrow \mathrm{CO}_{2}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)
  This equation represents the combustion of methane, not ocean acidification.

Based on the analysis, Equation C best represents the chemical changes that occur during ocean acidification, as it shows the formation of hydrogen ions from the reaction of carbon dioxide with water.

Final Answer