Carbon dioxide

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Carbon dioxide (chemical formula: CO2) is a chemical substance that occupies about 96 % of Mars's atmosphere.

Molar Mass of 12(C)+32(O2)=44

Biological significance

The metabolism of human beings, animals and various microbes depends on the oxidation of carbohydrates, resulting in carbon dioxide and water exhalation.


Plants use the carbon from CO2 to produce carbohydrates and release the oxygen back to the atmosphere.

The reaction is: CO2(carbon dioxide) + 2H2O (water) + photons (light energy) → CH2O (carbohydrate) + O2(oxygen)+ H2O (water)[1]

Uses

References