What is CO₂
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless, odorless gas with a pleasant slightly sour taste. It is non-toxic, non-flammable and does not aid in combustion. Carbon dioxide in the gas phase is distinguished by a greater weight compared to air, its relative density is 1.5 (air = 1). These properties of carbon dioxide are the reason why it is used for fire protection. Carbon dioxide dissolves slightly in water, reacting with it to form carbonic acid. It is volatile and decomposes in water. Therefore, carbon dioxide is used in carbonated and soft drinks.
The carbon cycle
Plants use carbon dioxide from the air, transforming it into organic matter, releasing oxygen in the process. Animals and humans use oxygen in the process of breathing, releasing carbon dioxide. This process takes place constantly and is the basis for life on Earth. Carbon dioxide is created from various sources, including: volcanic eruptions, the decomposition of organic matter, from the process of breathing in living organisms, from the burning of fossil fuels, as well as from natural underground sources. It is also produced by the fermentation of some microorganisms and by cellular respiration. Plants use carbon dioxide in photosynthesis, also using oxygen to synthesize carbohydrates. After this, plants release oxygen into the atmosphere, which is extremely important for respiration in heterotrophic organisms, thus forming a cycle. Carbon dioxide is present in small concentrations in the atmosphere. It is a major component of the carbon cycle.
Purpose
Carbon dioxide finds a wide use in all its aggregate states: solid, gas and liquid aggregate state. The most attractive purpose in recent times is Dry Ice, which as a product of carbon dioxide in its solid aggregate state is at -78.8°C, which is several times lower than the temperature of ordinary water ice, which is used to maintain the temperature in various refrigerators for food. In the field of medicine, dry ice is used by surgeons to transport blood and organs as well as in the presence of some special operations. Carbon dioxide is also used in many forms of entertainment such as theatrical smoke and fog used in the film industry, theaters, concerts, theme parks, special shows and even parties to create special effects. As technology grows, there will be more ways to discover what else carbon dioxide can do.
Caution
The concentration of carbon dioxide in the air can lead to a decrease in the amount of oxygen, and suffocation of people who are in that space. The contact of liquid carbon dioxide and its vapor with the skin creates frostbite, the consequences of which are similar to burns.