CARBON DIOXIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a single carbon atom. It is a colorless, odorless gas that exists naturally in the Earth's atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is an essential component of the carbon cycle, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of gases necessary for the sustainability of life on Earth.
In its gaseous form, carbon dioxide is relatively stable, but can be released through various natural and human activities, such as volcanic eruptions, cellular respiration, and the combustion of fossil fuels. It is commonly associated with the process of carbon capture and storage (CCS) or with the byproduct of industrial processes.
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, meaning that it has the ability to trap heat radiated from the Earth's surface, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Excessive emissions of carbon dioxide, primarily from human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have resulted in an increase in its atmospheric concentration, leading to global climate change and associated issues such as rising global temperatures and ocean acidification.
Moreover, carbon dioxide is crucial for photosynthesis, the process through which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose. This makes carbon dioxide a fundamental factor for plant growth and is often used in controlled environments such as greenhouses to enhance plant production.
Overall, carbon dioxide is a ubiquitous compound with multiple roles and impacts on Earth, ranging from essential functions in sustaining life to causing environmental concerns due to its link to climate change.
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CO2, the product of the combustion of carbon with a free supply of air; carbonic acid gas.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CARBON DIOXIDE
- xarbon dioxide
- varbon dioxide
- farbon dioxide
- darbon dioxide
- czrbon dioxide
- csrbon dioxide
- cwrbon dioxide
- cqrbon dioxide
- caebon dioxide
- cadbon dioxide
- cafbon dioxide
- catbon dioxide
- ca5bon dioxide
- ca4bon dioxide
- carvon dioxide
- carnon dioxide
- carhon dioxide
- cargon dioxide
- carbin dioxide
Etymology of CARBON DIOXIDE
The word "carbon dioxide" has a fairly straightforward etymology. It comes from two main components - "carbon" and "dioxide".
The term "carbon" originates from the Latin word "carbo", which means coal or charcoal. This Latin root reflects the early association of carbon with these forms of burning material.
The term "dioxide" is comprised of two elements: "di-" and "-oxide". "Di-" means two, indicating that there are two oxygen atoms in the molecule. The suffix "-oxide" refers to a compound that contains oxygen.
Therefore, "carbon dioxide" indicates a compound consisting of one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms, which is a central component of the Earth's atmosphere and a byproduct of combustion and respiration processes.
Similar spelling words for CARBON DIOXIDE
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