As ice forms during cold periods, the ocean becomes relatively heavier because it loses which isotope?

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Multiple Choice

As ice forms during cold periods, the ocean becomes relatively heavier because it loses which isotope?

Explanation:
During freezing, isotopes separate between the solid and liquid phases. The lighter oxygen isotope, 16O, is preferentially incorporated into the forming ice, while the heavier isotope, 18O, remains more in the liquid seawater. As ice forms, the ice becomes enriched in 16O and the ocean loses 16O, leaving a higher proportion of 18O in the seawater. This makes the ocean's average molecular mass rise, i.e., it becomes relatively heavier. The other options don’t fit because water and carbon dioxide are not isotopes, and the heavier isotope (18O) is what tends to stay in the liquid, not be lost to the ocean.

During freezing, isotopes separate between the solid and liquid phases. The lighter oxygen isotope, 16O, is preferentially incorporated into the forming ice, while the heavier isotope, 18O, remains more in the liquid seawater. As ice forms, the ice becomes enriched in 16O and the ocean loses 16O, leaving a higher proportion of 18O in the seawater. This makes the ocean's average molecular mass rise, i.e., it becomes relatively heavier. The other options don’t fit because water and carbon dioxide are not isotopes, and the heavier isotope (18O) is what tends to stay in the liquid, not be lost to the ocean.

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