Chemical Reactivity of Carbon Dioxide with Water

Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring chemical molecule that is necessary for the Earth’s ecosystem to function properly. It is necessary for photosynthesis, which is required for all plants to exist. Carbon dioxide also contributes to the regulation of the atmosphere’s and planet’s temperature. They are frequently referred to as greenhouse gases because they permit sunlight to enter but prevent it from leaving, thus heating the lower atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is abundant in the Earth’s atmosphere (about 393 ppm, or parts per million) and is critical for global climate regulation. It aids in the trapping of heat near the Earth’s surface, resulting in less heat escaping into space. This enables life on Earth to thrive. Additionally, it contributes to the carbon cycle, which is necessary for life on Earth to exist.

Increased Concentration of Carbon Dioxide 

Humans have significantly contributed to the increase in this gas’s concentration by burning fossil fuels and clearing forests, among other activities. Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere by the combustion of fossil fuels after millions of years of storage deep underground, whereas deforestation limits the number of plants that absorb it. Despite this, natural carbon dioxide sources are significantly larger than manufactured ones.

Although it is accepted that high quantities of carbon dioxide are harmful to health, the probable repercussions of living with lower amounts have not been fully researched. However, the majority of scientists think that it would be unhealthy for people to breathe air with higher carbon dioxide concentrations than in the past.

Definition of Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a chemical molecule made up of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms that are covalently linked. It is a critical component of photosynthesis, the process by which green plants convert sunlight into food and energy. It is a colourless, odiferous gas that is miscible with water, ethanol, and acetone. It melts at -55.6°C and boils at -78.5°C. It has a density of 1.977 grams per millilitre.

Carbon Dioxide As a Greenhouse Gas 

Carbon dioxide is a significant greenhouse gas that contributes to the trapping of heat in our atmosphere, but it makes up a small proportion of the Earth’s atmosphere. Atmospheric carbon dioxide can be taken from natural sources such as volcanic outgassing, organic matter combustion, and the respiration processes of live aerobic organisms, or from man-made sources such as the combustion of fossil fuels for power generation and transportation. Carbonic acid is formed when it combines with water. It forms carbonates and bicarbonates when it reacts with alkalis. Additionally, it is synthesised via fermentation and cellular respiration. We have examined the CO2 definition in this topic. Now we shall investigate the properties and applications of carbon dioxide.

Properties of Carbon Dioxide 

• It is an odiferous and colourless gas.
• It is an incombustible gas.
• It has a trace of toxicity.
• It has a higher density than air.
• It melts at -55.6°C and boils at -78.5°C.
• It has a density of 1.977 grams per millilitre.
• It is soluble in water, however its solubility diminishes with increasing temperature.
• When dissolved in water, it produces a mild carbonic acid. It changes the colour of lime water to a milky white.

CO₂ behaves as an acid according to the following equation:

CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃ → H+(aq) + HCO₃–(aq)

Carbonates and bicarbonates are formed in the reaction with alkali.

CO₂ + NaOH → NaHCO₃

NaHCO₃​ +NaOH ⇒ Na₂CO₃ +H₂O

Applications of Carbon Dioxide 

Photosynthesis is the process through which plants convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, utilising both carbon and oxygen to synthesise carbohydrates.

1. Additionally, carbon dioxide is utilised as a refrigerant.
2. It is used to extinguish fires.
3. It is used to stimulate plant growth in greenhouses.
4. It is used to provide fizz to carbonated beverages, soft drinks, and beers.
5. In large-scale refrigeration, vast volumes of solid carbon dioxide (in the form of dry ice) are employed.
6. It is a component of medical gases because it aids in the process of exhalation.
7. Carbon dioxide is used in everyday life in the form of baking powder or yeast, which causes cake dough to rise.

Conclusion

Carbon dioxide is a significant contributor to climate change. Carbon dioxide has a number of negative consequences on humans, animals, and plants. Reducing human activities that emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere will mitigate global warming’s consequences. Global warming will be a significant issue in the coming years. Carbon dioxide emissions caused by human activities, deforestation, land-use changes, and the use of fossil fuels are altering the landscape of our world.