What can be the reason for lower dissolved oxygen in a warm water body?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Gas solubility decreases when temperature rises
Oxygen is a gas, and the solubility of most gases in water decreases as temperature increases. In warm water, oxygen molecules have greater kinetic energy and are more likely to leave the liquid, so the equilibrium amount of dissolved oxygen becomes lower. Other factors, such as mixing and biological activity, can also matter, but the temperature-based reason in this question is the decrease in gas solubility.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Gas solubility decreases when temperature rises
Why is this the correct answer?
Oxygen is a gas, and the solubility of most gases in water decreases as temperature increases. In warm water, oxygen molecules have greater kinetic energy and are more likely to leave the liquid, so the equilibrium amount of dissolved oxygen becomes lower. Other factors, such as mixing and biological activity, can also matter, but the temperature-based reason in this question is the decrease in gas solubility.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 11 Chemistry question. Chapter: Chapter 01: Solutions.