When a large amount of carbon dioxide dissolves in a water body, the water becomes acidic because of the formation of which of the following acids?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 I.e. Carbonic acid.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) reacts with water (H₂O) to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃): CO₂ + H₂O ⇌ H₂CO₃
This weak acid dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), increasing the acidity of the water. This process is a major cause of ocean acidification.