Driving cars lowers the pH of the oceans by _______.

Driving cars contributes to the lowering of the pH of the oceans primarily through the emission of carbon dioxide (CO₂). When fossil fuels are burned in car engines, CO₂ is released into the atmosphere. This CO₂ can then be absorbed by the oceans, where it reacts with water to form carbonic acid. This process increases the acidity of the ocean, thereby lowering its pH.

Step 1: Define the Problem

Identify how driving cars affects ocean pH levels.

Step 2: Break Down the Problem

• Understand the process of CO₂ emissions from cars.
• Explain how CO₂ absorption by oceans leads to acidification.

Step 3: Apply Relevant Concepts

• Chemical Reaction: CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃ (carbonic acid)
• Ocean Acidification: The formation of carbonic acid decreases the pH of ocean water.

Step 4: Analysis, Verify and Summarize

• Analysis: The increase in carbonic acid from absorbed CO₂ leads to a decrease in pH, making the ocean more acidic.
• Verification: Scientific studies have shown that increased atmospheric CO₂ levels correlate with decreased ocean pH.

Final Answer

Driving cars contributes to ocean acidification by increasing CO₂ emissions, which lowers the pH of the oceans through the formation of carbonic acid.