Question

modeling effects of pollutants on water quality
many freshwater organisms can live in water with a ph of between 6.5 and 9.0.
ph = 6.65
geraldo wants to model the effect of acids on the ph of water for a group of students.
which pollutant should geraldo add to the water?
baking soda
what will the ph reading be after geraldo adds the pollutant?
greater than 6.65
equal to 6.65
less than 6.65

Explanation:

1. Baking soda is a basic substance, so to model the effect of acids, an acidic pollutant (e.g., sulfuric acid, nitric acid) should be chosen instead.
2. Acids lower the pH of a solution. Since the initial pH is 6.65, adding an acid will make the new pH less than 6.65.

Answer:

1. The correct pollutant is an acidic substance (not baking soda)
2. less than 6.65