Gas Knowledge — Carbon Dioxide
Why does soda fizz when you open it? Why can plants “eat” in the sunlight? The greenhouse effect is becoming more serious, and the whole world is controlling carbon emissions. Does carbon dioxide really have only harmful effects?
Carbon dioxide is denser than air, can dissolve in water, and is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature. It has a dual nature: it is the “food” for plants in photosynthesis, yet it is also the “culprit” behind global warming, contributing to the greenhouse effect. However, in specific fields, it plays a crucial role.
In the fire-fighting sector, it’s an expert at extinguishing fires! A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher can quickly isolate oxygen and put out electrical and oil fires, turning a dangerous situation into safety in critical moments.
In the food industry, it’s the “magical bubble maker”! The bubbles in cola and Sprite owe their existence to CO2, and dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) is used for refrigeration, keeping fresh produce unspoiled during long-distance transportation.
In chemical production, it’s an important raw material! It participates in manufacturing soda ash and urea, and even helps “turn waste into treasure” — by reacting with hydrogen to synthesize methanol, supporting green energy.
But be cautious! When the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air exceeds 5%, people can experience dizziness and shortness of breath; over 10%, it can lead to unconsciousness and suffocation. While carbon dioxide silently supports life as a raw material for plant photosynthesis, it is also a major contributor to the global climate crisis. Facing its dual nature, humanity must control emissions to maintain the Earth’s “breathing balance.”
