In ocean acidification, which ion is released when carbonic acid forms in seawater and lowers pH?

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Multiple Choice

In ocean acidification, which ion is released when carbonic acid forms in seawater and lowers pH?

Explanation:
When carbonic acid forms in seawater, it donates a hydrogen ion. The dissolved CO2 reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which then dissociates: H2CO3 → H+ + HCO3−. The released hydrogen ions increase the acidity of the seawater, lowering the pH. The other ions listed (OH−, Na+, Cl−) are not produced by this acid formation, and don’t directly cause the pH drop in this process.

When carbonic acid forms in seawater, it donates a hydrogen ion. The dissolved CO2 reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which then dissociates: H2CO3 → H+ + HCO3−. The released hydrogen ions increase the acidity of the seawater, lowering the pH. The other ions listed (OH−, Na+, Cl−) are not produced by this acid formation, and don’t directly cause the pH drop in this process.

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