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Carbon dioxide

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

A 3D model showing the structure of a carbon dioxide molecule – made of one black carbon atom connected to two red oxygen atoms.

What is Carbon Dioxide?

Carbon dioxide is a special kind of gas that is all around us. It is made of one tiny piece called a carbon atom and two pieces called oxygen atoms. You can't see it or smell it when there is just a little bit in the air.

Why is it Important?

Carbon dioxide is very important for life on Earth. Plants use it to make their food with sunlight and water. This process is called photosynthesis and it also gives us fresh oxygen to breathe. Animals, including people, use carbon dioxide when they get energy from food.

Where Do We Find It?

You can find carbon dioxide in the air we breathe, in the water of the oceans, and even deep under the sea near special places called hydrothermal vents. It helps keep Earth warm by trapping some of the sun's heat, which makes our planet a nice place to live.

Carbon dioxide is part of a big circle called the carbon cycle, where it moves between the air, land, and water. This helps keep nature balanced and healthy.

Images

A close-up photo showing the fizzy bubbles in a glass of Coca-Cola.
Dry ice pellets turning directly from solid to gas in the air.
Diagram showing how plants (autotrophs) use sunlight to make food, and how animals (heterotrophs) use that food for energy.
A CO2 monitor used to measure atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, helpful for learning about air quality and environmental science.
A scientific graph showing how carbon moves through Earth’s atmosphere, land, and oceans — helping us understand climate change.
A chart showing different ways carbon dioxide was used around the world in 2015.
Dry ice being used to keep grapes cool after harvest, helping preserve their flavor.
A 3D scientific model showing the crystal structure of solid carbon dioxide, also known as dry ice.
Icon representing climate change with a globe and temperature indicators.

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Carbon dioxide, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.