Difference between revisions of "Carbon dioxide"
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[[Image:CO2phase.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Phase diagram]] for CO<sub>2</sub>]] | [[Image:CO2phase.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Phase diagram]] for CO<sub>2</sub>]] | ||
| + | [[Image:CO2.gif|thumb|left|150px|The bonds of Carbon Dioxide]] | ||
| − | '''Carbon dioxide''' (CO<sub>2</sub>) is an odorless, colorless [[gas]] formed by the [[oxidation]] of [[hydrocarbon]]s, both naturally, in animals, and artificially, as fuel<ref>If not enough oxygen is present, [[carbon monoxide]] will also be produced, in a process called [[incomplete combustion]].</ref>. It is one of the [[human]] body's major waste products, being excreted through exhalation (breathing). | + | '''Carbon dioxide''' (CO<sub>2</sub>) is an odorless, colorless [[gas]] formed by the [[oxidation]] of [[hydrocarbon]]s, both naturally, in animals, and artificially, as fuel<ref>If not enough oxygen is present, [[carbon monoxide]] will also be produced, in a process called [[incomplete combustion]].</ref> It is the second simplest oxycarbon, after [[Carbon Monoxide]]. The structure of Carbon Dioxide is that of a single carbon atom, double bonded to two oxygen atoms. It is one of the [[human]] body's major waste products, being excreted through exhalation (breathing). |
It is used by [[plants]] in the process of [[photosynthesis]] to create complex carbohydrates ([[cellulose]] and [[sugar]]s), using water and the [[energy]] from [[sunlight]]. The waste product in this process is [[oxygen]]. | It is used by [[plants]] in the process of [[photosynthesis]] to create complex carbohydrates ([[cellulose]] and [[sugar]]s), using water and the [[energy]] from [[sunlight]]. The waste product in this process is [[oxygen]]. | ||
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At room temperature and atmospheric [[pressure]], carbon dioxide is a gas. It becomes solid at -78 ºC at standard atmospheric pressure, forming [[dry ice]]. When it thaws, it turns directly into a gas again (called [[sublimation]]). <ref>"Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide. A block of dry ice has a surface temperature of -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit (-78.5 degrees C). Dry ice also has the very nice feature of sublimation -- as it breaks down, it turns directly into carbon dioxide gas rather than a liquid." [http://www.howstuffworks.com/question264.htm How Stuff Works] </ref> This can be seen from the phase diagram to the right, where at 1 atmosphere of pressure, there is no liquid state separating the solid and gas as temperature rises. | At room temperature and atmospheric [[pressure]], carbon dioxide is a gas. It becomes solid at -78 ºC at standard atmospheric pressure, forming [[dry ice]]. When it thaws, it turns directly into a gas again (called [[sublimation]]). <ref>"Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide. A block of dry ice has a surface temperature of -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit (-78.5 degrees C). Dry ice also has the very nice feature of sublimation -- as it breaks down, it turns directly into carbon dioxide gas rather than a liquid." [http://www.howstuffworks.com/question264.htm How Stuff Works] </ref> This can be seen from the phase diagram to the right, where at 1 atmosphere of pressure, there is no liquid state separating the solid and gas as temperature rises. | ||
| − | CO<sub>2</sub> is one of the | + | CO<sub>2</sub> is one of the [[greenhouse gas]]es. Heat-trapping by CO<sub>2</sub> has been observed on [[Earth]] and [[Venus]]. The extent of its role in the current increase in average global temperatures is a topic of active political and scientific debate. Rising CO<sub>2</sub> levels in the atmosphere have been observed to promote acidification of the oceans, through CO<sub>2</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O => H2CO3 |
The [[Lewis structure]] indicates it has two double bonds: | The [[Lewis structure]] indicates it has two double bonds: | ||
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| − | + | ==Carbon Dioxide and Global Warming== | |
| + | [[Environmentalist]]s predict catastrophic [[global warming]] scenarios at the hands of excessive CO<sub>2</sub> released by industrial and commercial activities. The theory arguing against the greenhouse effect is that, the planet naturally gives off carbon dioxide, from natural sources such as volcanoes, and thus, it is not so bad for the Earth. | ||
| + | The effects of an increased level of CO<sub>2</sub> is Increased [[plant]] growth, as CO<sub>2</sub>(g) + 12H<sub>2</sub>O(aq) + energy → C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>12</sub>O<sub>6</sub>(aq)(A complex sugar) + 6O<sub>2</sub>(gas) + 6H<sub>2</sub>O(aq), as more products for photosynthesis. This supposedly has beneficial effects for humans, such as greater crop yields and alleviating the effects of a growing human population. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere]] | *[[Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere]] | ||
Revision as of 18:12, April 9, 2013
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an odorless, colorless gas formed by the oxidation of hydrocarbons, both naturally, in animals, and artificially, as fuel[1] It is the second simplest oxycarbon, after Carbon Monoxide. The structure of Carbon Dioxide is that of a single carbon atom, double bonded to two oxygen atoms. It is one of the human body's major waste products, being excreted through exhalation (breathing).
It is used by plants in the process of photosynthesis to create complex carbohydrates (cellulose and sugars), using water and the energy from sunlight. The waste product in this process is oxygen.
At room temperature and atmospheric pressure, carbon dioxide is a gas. It becomes solid at -78 ºC at standard atmospheric pressure, forming dry ice. When it thaws, it turns directly into a gas again (called sublimation). [2] This can be seen from the phase diagram to the right, where at 1 atmosphere of pressure, there is no liquid state separating the solid and gas as temperature rises.
CO2 is one of the greenhouse gases. Heat-trapping by CO2 has been observed on Earth and Venus. The extent of its role in the current increase in average global temperatures is a topic of active political and scientific debate. Rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere have been observed to promote acidification of the oceans, through CO2 + H2O => H2CO3
The Lewis structure indicates it has two double bonds:
Carbon Dioxide and Global Warming
Environmentalists predict catastrophic global warming scenarios at the hands of excessive CO2 released by industrial and commercial activities. The theory arguing against the greenhouse effect is that, the planet naturally gives off carbon dioxide, from natural sources such as volcanoes, and thus, it is not so bad for the Earth.
The effects of an increased level of CO2 is Increased plant growth, as CO2(g) + 12H2O(aq) + energy → C6H12O6(aq)(A complex sugar) + 6O2(gas) + 6H2O(aq), as more products for photosynthesis. This supposedly has beneficial effects for humans, such as greater crop yields and alleviating the effects of a growing human population.
See also
References
- ↑ If not enough oxygen is present, carbon monoxide will also be produced, in a process called incomplete combustion.
- ↑ "Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide. A block of dry ice has a surface temperature of -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit (-78.5 degrees C). Dry ice also has the very nice feature of sublimation -- as it breaks down, it turns directly into carbon dioxide gas rather than a liquid." How Stuff Works