[mrusnak]

Given that the volume of the ocean is 1.5x10¹⁸ m³, net deposit of CO₂ in the ocean is 1.8144x10¹⁵g/yr, the hydration equilibrium constant of H₂O + CO₂  H₂CO₃ is K_H=1.70x10^-3, and the acid dissociation constant of carbonic acid is K_a=4.30x10^-7. Calculate the pH after one year.

My plan to tackle this problem is to determine the moles of water and carbon dioxide, then set up equilibrium extent of reaction (E) equation for each substance. This gives me:

n_e,CO2=4.123x10¹³-E
n_e,H2O=8.333x10²²-E
n_e,H2CO3=E

My question at this point is how do I account for 2:1 mole ratio of reactants and products? I need the total moles to find the partials, y_i, and I need the partials to determine the equilibrium conocentration of carbonic acid.

[enahs]

How many mols of CO2 do you have?
How many mols are turned into carbonic acid?
So if you have that many mols of carbonic acid, how many acidic hydrogens are there? In how many liters?


Note, this problem is flawed.