Q150CP - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Seashells are mostly calcium carbonate, which reacts with $\left[{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}^{\text{ + }}\right]$ according to the equation

${\mathbf{\text{CaCO}}}_{\mathbf{\text{3}}}{\mathbf{\text{(s) + H}}}_{\mathbf{\text{3}}}{\mathbf{\text{O}}}^{\mathbf{\text{ + }}}\mathbf{\text{(aq)}}\mathbf{\rightleftharpoons }{\mathbf{\text{Ca}}}^{\mathbf{\text{2 + }}}{\mathbf{\text{(aq) + HCO}}}_{\mathbf{\text{3}}}^{\mathbf{\text{ - }}}{\mathbf{\text{(aq) + H}}}_{\mathbf{\text{2}}}\mathbf{\text{O(l)}}$

If  ${\mathbf{\text{K}}}_{\mathbf{\text{w}}}$ increases at higher pressure, will seashells dissolve more rapidly near the surface of the ocean or at great depths? Explain.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The ${\text{CaCO}}_3$  will dissolve more rapidly at great depths.

Step 1: Identify given information

List all given data and unknowns.

Step 2: Determine relevant principles

Identify applicable chemical laws.

Step 3: Set up and solve

Apply equations and solve.

Step 4: State the answer

The answer is:

The ${\text{CaCO}}_3$  will dissolve more rapidly at great depths.