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Multiple Choice
How does increasing the temperature of water affect its ability to hold dissolved oxygen?
A
It has no effect on the amount of dissolved oxygen in water.
B
It decreases the amount of dissolved oxygen water can hold.
C
It causes oxygen to chemically react with water, forming new compounds.
D
It increases the amount of dissolved oxygen water can hold.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the relationship between temperature and gas solubility: As temperature increases, the kinetic energy of water molecules also increases, making it harder for gas molecules like oxygen to remain dissolved in water.
Recall the principle of gas solubility: Gases are generally less soluble in liquids at higher temperatures due to decreased intermolecular interactions between the gas and liquid molecules.
Consider the biological implications: Aquatic organisms rely on dissolved oxygen for survival, and warmer water can lead to lower oxygen availability, potentially stressing ecosystems.
Eliminate incorrect options: The statement 'It has no effect on the amount of dissolved oxygen in water' is incorrect because temperature does affect solubility. Similarly, 'It causes oxygen to chemically react with water, forming new compounds' is incorrect because oxygen does not chemically react with water under normal conditions. 'It increases the amount of dissolved oxygen water can hold' is also incorrect because solubility decreases with increasing temperature.
Conclude with the correct answer: Increasing the temperature of water decreases the amount of dissolved oxygen it can hold, as supported by the principles of gas solubility and thermodynamics.