| Carbon Dioxide |
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Physical Properties
Color - Colorless
Odor - Odorless
Density - \(0.00006499 \; lbm/in^3 \;\)@\(\; 68 \; F^\circ \; (0.001799 \; g/cc \;\)@\(\; 20 \; C^\circ)\)
Molar Mass - \(44.009 \; g/mol \;(44.009 \; g/mol)\)
Solubility - Soluble in Water
Chemical Properties
Chemical Formula - \(CO_2\)
State of Matter - Gas
Flammability - Non Flammable
Thermal Properties
Melting Point - \(-69.83 \; F^\circ \; (-56.57 \; C^\circ)\)
Boiling Point - \(-109 \; F^\circ \; (-78.4 \; C^\circ)\)
Specific Heat Capacity - \(0.2015 \; BTU/lbF^\circ \; (0.8430 \; J/gC^\circ )\)
Thermal Conductivity - \(0.0666 \; BTUin/hrft^3 \; F^\circ \;\)@\(\; 14.5 \; psi \; -98.7 \; F^\circ \; (0.00960 \; W/mK \;\)@\(\; 0.100 \; MPa \; -73.1 \; C^\circ )\)
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Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) is a colorless, odorless gas that plays a critical role in Earth's atmosphere and various natural and industrial processes. It consists of one carbon atom covalently bonded to two oxygen atoms, forming a linear molecule. Naturally present in the atmosphere at low concentrations (about 0.04%), \(CO_2\) is essential for life as it is used by plants during photosynthesis to produce oxygen and glucose, sustaining ecosystems.
It is also a greenhouse gas, trapping heat in the atmosphere, which helps regulate Earth's temperature but contributes to global warming when levels increase due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. \(CO_2\) is released through respiration, volcanic eruptions, and combustion, and it dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, influencing ocean chemistry. Industrially, it is used in applications like carbonating beverages, fire extinguishers, and as a refrigerant. While vital for life, elevated \(CO_2\) levels are a major driver of climate change, prompting global efforts to reduce emissions.
