Chemical Composition of Seawater
Test your understanding of the chemical composition of seawater, including major ions, minor ions, and dissolved gases.
Questions
Which ion is the most abundant in seawater?
- Chloride
- Sodium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
Which ion is the second most abundant in seawater?
- Sodium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Potassium
Which ion is the third most abundant in seawater?
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Sulfate
Which ion is the fourth most abundant in seawater?
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Sulfate
- Bicarbonate
Which ion is the fifth most abundant in seawater?
- Potassium
- Sulfate
- Bicarbonate
- Bromide
Which gas is the most abundant in seawater?
- Nitrogen
- Oxygen
- Carbon Dioxide
- Argon
Which gas is the second most abundant in seawater?
- Oxygen
- Carbon Dioxide
- Argon
- Helium
Which gas is the third most abundant in seawater?
- Carbon Dioxide
- Argon
- Helium
- Methane
Which gas is the fourth most abundant in seawater?
- Argon
- Helium
- Methane
- Hydrogen Sulfide
Which gas is the fifth most abundant in seawater?
- Helium
- Methane
- Hydrogen Sulfide
- Nitrous Oxide
What is the average salinity of seawater?
- 35 parts per thousand
- 30 parts per thousand
- 40 parts per thousand
- 45 parts per thousand
What is the pH of seawater?
- 8.1
- 7.0
- 6.0
- 5.0
What is the primary source of dissolved solids in seawater?
- Weathering of rocks
- Volcanic eruptions
- Hydrothermal vents
- All of the above
How does the chemical composition of seawater vary with depth?
- It remains constant
- It becomes more concentrated
- It becomes less concentrated
- It varies depending on the location
How does the chemical composition of seawater vary with latitude?
- It remains constant
- It becomes more concentrated near the equator
- It becomes less concentrated near the equator
- It varies depending on the location