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What atmospheric gas dissolves in water and makes it more acidic?

Question

What atmospheric gas dissolves in water and makes it more acidic?

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Solution

The atmospheric gas that dissolves in water and makes it more acidic is carbon dioxide (CO2). Here are the steps explaining the process:

  1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is released into the atmosphere through various processes such as respiration, decomposition of organic matter, volcanic eruptions, and human activities like burning fossil fuels.

  2. When CO2 is in the atmosphere, it can mix with water (H2O). This happens in bodies of water like oceans, lakes, and rivers, but also in raindrops.

  3. When CO2 and H2O mix, they react together to form carbonic acid (H2CO3). The chemical reaction is as follows: CO2 + H2O -> H2CO3.

  4. Carbonic acid (H2CO3) is a weak acid. However, it can dissociate in water to form hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). The chemical reaction is as follows: H2CO3 -> H+ + HCO3-.

  5. The increase in hydrogen ions (H+) makes the water more acidic. In other words, it lowers the pH of the water.

This process is also known as "acid rain" when it happens in the atmosphere and it falls as rain, and it's a major component of "ocean acidification" when it happens in bodies of water.

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