
Carbon dioxide | Definition, Formula, Uses, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 31, 2025 · Carbon dioxide, a colorless gas having a faint sharp odor and a sour taste. It is a greenhouse gas, but it is a minor component of Earth’s atmosphere, formed in combustion of carbon …
Carbon dioxide - Wikipedia
In the atmosphere of Earth, carbon dioxide is a trace gas that plays an integral part in the greenhouse effect, carbon cycle, photosynthesis, and oceanic carbon cycle.
Carbon Dioxide - Center for Science Education
A molecule of carbon dioxide (CO 2) is made up of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. Carbon dioxide is an important greenhouse gas that helps to trap heat in our atmosphere.
Carbon Dioxide - Earth Indicator - NASA Science
Sep 25, 2025 · Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases trap the heat from sunlight, warming the planet. Without any greenhouse gases, Earth would be too cold to …
Carbon Dioxide 101 | netl.doe.gov
Carbon dioxide (commonly abbreviated as CO 2) is a clear gas composed of one atom of carbon (C) and two atoms of oxygen (O). Carbon dioxide is one of many molecules where carbon is commonly …
Carbon dioxide - New World Encyclopedia
Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound that is found as a gas in the Earth 's atmosphere. It consists of simple molecules, each of which has one carbon and two oxygen atoms.
Understanding the basics of carbon dioxide - NOAA Research
Jun 28, 2024 · Carbon dioxide is a gas produced when an organic carbon compound (such as wood) or fossilized organic matter (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) is burned in the presence of oxygen. …
Climate change: atmospheric carbon dioxide - NOAA Climate.gov
May 21, 2025 · Each year, human activities release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than natural processes can remove, causing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to increase. …
What Are Carbon Dioxide Molecules and Their Role?
Jul 26, 2025 · Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a naturally occurring chemical compound found throughout Earth’s atmosphere. It exists as a gas and plays a role in various planetary processes.
Global warming - Carbon Dioxide, Climate Change, Greenhouse Gases ...
2 days ago · Of the greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO 2) is the most significant. Natural sources of atmospheric CO 2 include outgassing from volcanoes, the combustion and natural decay of organic …