Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless, odorless gas whose molecules contain one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms. It is produced by respiration and combustion, and plants use it in photosynthesis.

Molecular geometry: The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule. CO₂ is linear, with oxygen atoms on opposite sides of its central carbon.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher: A fire extinguisher that discharges pressurized carbon dioxide to suppress flames. CO₂ displaces oxygen and cools the fuel, making it useful for certain fires.
Climate change: Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, including changes driven by human greenhouse-gas emissions. Rising CO₂ is a major driver of recent global warming.
Carbon: A chemical element with atomic number 6 that forms the backbone of many molecules in living and nonliving systems. One carbon atom forms the central atom in every CO₂ molecule.
Infrared spectroscopy: A method that identifies molecular vibrations by measuring absorption of infrared light. CO₂ absorbs infrared light through vibrations that change its molecular dipole moment.
Carbonated water: Water containing carbon dioxide dissolved under pressure, producing bubbles when pressure is released. Dissolved CO₂ creates the characteristic fizz and acidity of carbonated drinks.
Ocean acidification: The decrease in ocean pH as seawater takes up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Dissolved CO₂ changes seawater chemistry and reduces carbonate availability for shell-building organisms.
Oxygen: A chemical element with atomic number 8 that commonly occurs as a diatomic gas and in compounds. Two oxygen atoms bond to carbon to form each CO₂ molecule.
Greenhouse effect: The warming of a planet when atmospheric gases absorb and re-emit outgoing infrared radiation. CO₂ contributes to atmospheric warming by absorbing infrared radiation emitted by Earth.
Enhanced oil recovery: Methods that increase petroleum extraction after conventional production declines. Injected CO₂ can mobilize residual oil and remain partly trapped underground.

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