Question

Due to ocean acidification when the ocean becomes more acidic, what happens to the pH level of the ocean?

• A. The pH level goes down
• B. The pH level stays the same
• C. The pH level goes up
• D. The pH level becomes zero

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

When ocean acidification occurs and the ocean becomes more acidic, the pH level goes down.

Additional Context:

• Normal ocean pH is about 8.1 (slightly basic)
• Acidification occurs when CO₂ dissolves in seawater forming carbonic acid
• Since Industrial Revolution, ocean pH has dropped by 0.1 units (30% increase in acidity)
• Impacts marine life especially organisms with calcium carbonate shells/skeletons
• Different from:
  • pH going up = more basic/alkaline
  • pH 0 = strongly acidic (not occurring in oceans)

Correct Answer: (1) The pH level goes down.