The name of the binary compound CO₂ is carbon dioxide. It is a chemical compound composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas that is naturally present in the Earth’s atmosphere and is a byproduct of respiration, combustion, and other chemical processes.
In terms of its chemical structure, CO₂ is a linear molecule with the carbon atom in the center and the two oxygen atoms on either side. This arrangement gives the molecule its stability and unique properties. Carbon dioxide is essential for life on Earth as it plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.
Additionally, CO₂ is widely used in various industries, including food and beverage, where it is used for carbonation, and in fire extinguishers, where it helps to smother flames by displacing oxygen.