Chapter 30, Problem 12TE

To determine

The effect that the formation of sea ice in polar regions have on the density of seawater.

Answer to Problem 12TE

The formation of seawater occurs due to the freezing of water. After freezing, the dissolved salt is left behind in the unfrozen water. So due to this, the presence of salt increases the density of the unfrozen water.

Explanation of Solution

The density of water varies when changes occur in the concentration of water. The changes occur due to the various effects like temperature variation in the water, and the pressure difference occurs due to climatic change.

The formation of sea ice in the Polar Regions occurs due to the freezing of large amounts of water present in the sea. But the seawater also contains salt. That's why seawater is salty and known as saline water, so after the freezing of water, the salt present in the seawater has remained unfrozen and mixed with the unfrozen seawater. So, the amount of salt that is mixed with the unfrozen seawater increases the density of the water.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the formation of seawater occurs due to the freezing of water. After freezing, the dissolved salt is left behind in the unfrozen water. So due to this, the presence of salt increases the density of the unfrozen water.