Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the substance that dissolves in water and increases the water's acidity. This process is known as ocean acidification. Here are the steps:

1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere dissolves into the ocean water.

2. Once in the water, CO2 reacts with water (H2O) to form carbonic acid (H2CO3).

3. Carbonic acid is a weak acid and it dissociates in water, releasing hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). The increase in hydrogen ions increases the acidity of the water.

4. The increased acidity of the water hinders corals' ability to build their skeletons, which are made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

5. The hydrogen ions (H+) in the water react with carbonate ions (CO3--) to form bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). This reduces the amount of carbonate ions available for corals to build their skeletons.

6. As a result, the growth of corals slows down and existing structures can begin to dissolve. This is detrimental to the entire coral reef ecosystem, as many marine species rely on these reefs for habitat and food.

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Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the substance that dissolves in water and increases the water's acidity. This process is known as ocean acidification. Here are the steps:

1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere dissolves into the ocean water.

2. Once in the water, CO2 reacts with water (H2O) to form carbonic acid (H2CO3).

3. Carbonic acid is a weak acid and it dissociates in water, releasing hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). The increase in hydrogen ions increases the acidity of the water.

4. The increased acidity of the water hinders corals' ability to build their skeletons, which are made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

5. The hydrogen ions (H+) in the water react with carbonate ions (CO3--) to form bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). This reduces the amount of carbonate ions available for corals to build their skeletons.

6. As a result, the growth of corals slows down and existing structures can begin to dissolve. This is detrimental to the entire coral reef ecosystem, as many marine species rely on these reefs for habitat and food.

Knowee AI · Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the substance that dissolves in water and increases the water's acidity. This process is known as ocean acidification. Here are the steps:

1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere dissolves into the ocean water.

2. Once in the water, CO2 reacts with water (H2O) to form carbonic acid (H2CO3).

3. Carbonic acid is a weak acid and it dissociates in water, releasing hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). The increase in hydrogen ions increases the acidity of the water.

4. The increased acidity of the water hinders corals' ability to build their skeletons, which are made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

5. The hydrogen ions (H+) in the water react with carbonate ions (CO3--) to form bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). This reduces the amount of carbonate ions available for corals to build their skeletons.

6. As a result, the growth of corals slows down and existing structures can begin to dissolve. This is detrimental to the entire coral reef ecosystem, as many marine species rely on these reefs for habitat and food.

dissolves in water and increases the water acidity. Acidic water hinders corals' ability to build a

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