Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a crucial chemical compound made up of one carbon atom double bonded to two oxygen atoms. At room temperature, it is an odorless gas vital for life, serving as the primary carbon source in the carbon cycle. While transparent to visible light, CO₂ absorbs infrared radiation, acting as a significant greenhouse gas that helps regulate the Earth’s temperature. It is also soluble in water, found in groundwater, lakes, ice caps, and seawater, underscoring its importance in ecosystems and climate regulation.