A student in Barbados investigates the pH of rainwater collected during a thunderstorm. The pH meter reads 5.2. Which of the following best explains this reading?

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Question

A student in Barbados investigates the pH of rainwater collected during a thunderstorm. The pH meter reads 5.2. Which of the following best explains this reading?

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater forming a weak acid — Award 1 mark for explaining that CO₂ dissolves in rainwater to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), making it slightly acidic. A is incorrect — pure rainwater typically has pH around 5.6 due to dissolved CO₂. C is incorrect — sodium hydroxide would make the solution alkaline, not acidic. D is incorrect — pH 5.2 is a reasonable reading for rainwater.

Answer

Rainwater is always neutral with pH 7

Answer

Rainwater contains sodium hydroxide from sea spray

Answer

The pH meter must be faulty

Answer

Carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater forming a weak acid

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