* CO₂ and Carbonic Acid: CO₂ dissolves in water to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃). This acid contributes to the acidity of the water.
* Equilibrium Shift: The reaction between CO₂ and water is an equilibrium reaction. When CO₂ is removed, the equilibrium shifts to the left, favoring the formation of more CO₂ and less carbonic acid.
* Less Acidity: As the concentration of carbonic acid decreases, the acidity of the water decreases, leading to an increase in pH.
In simpler terms: Removing CO₂ from water removes the source of acidity, making the water less acidic and more alkaline.
Example:
* Imagine a glass of soda water. The CO₂ dissolved in the soda water makes it slightly acidic.
* If you leave the soda water open, the CO₂ will escape into the air.
* As the CO₂ escapes, the soda water becomes less acidic and its pH increases.
