During warmer parts of the day, fish will be found in deeper waters of a lake. Which statement best explains this phenomena with respect to the solubility of a gas?
A.
Gases are more soluble at low pressures.
B.
Gases are more soluble at high pressures.
C.
Gases are more soluble at low temperatures.
D.
Gases are more soluble at high temperatures.
D. Gases are more soluble at high temperatures.
The correct statement that explains why fish are found in deeper waters of a lake during warmer parts of the day is C. Gases are more soluble at low temperatures.
Explanation:
When it comes to the solubility of gases, temperature plays a crucial role. Generally, as the temperature increases, the solubility of gases in a liquid decreases. This is because the kinetic energy of the gas particles also increases with temperature, causing them to move more rapidly and escape from the liquid phase.
In the case of a lake, during warmer parts of the day, the surface temperature of the water increases. As a result, the solubility of gases in the lake water decreases, causing gases to escape from the water into the atmosphere.
Fish, on the other hand, require oxygen to survive, and dissolved oxygen is one of the key sources of oxygen for them in a lake. Oxygen gas, being a gas, can dissolve in water. However, when the solubility of gases decreases due to the increase in temperature, less oxygen is available for the fish in the shallower and warmer waters of the lake.
To find a sufficient amount of dissolved oxygen, the fish tend to swim to deeper waters where the temperature is lower. In these deeper waters, the solubility of gases, including oxygen, is higher due to the colder temperature. This allows fish to access an adequate supply of dissolved oxygen necessary for their survival.
In summary, the statement C. Gases are more soluble at low temperatures best explains why fish are found in deeper waters of a lake during warmer parts of the day.