Why is the pH of ocean water higher than the pH of normal tap water?

A.
ocean water contains salts of weak acids.


B.
ocean water contains salts of weak bases.


C.
ocean water contains more oxygen than tap water.


D.
ocean water contains fewer minerals than tap water.

1 answer

The pH of ocean water is typically higher than that of normal tap water primarily due to the presence of salts and minerals dissolved in seawater. Among the provided options, the best explanation is:

A. ocean water contains salts of weak acids.

Ocean water typically has a pH of around 8 to 8.5, which is slightly alkaline, while tap water usually has a pH closer to neutral (around 7). The presence of salts and minerals in ocean water, including bicarbonate and carbonate ions, which act as weak bases, helps to buffer the pH and often gives it a higher value compared to tap water.

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