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Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃)
Colourless, odourless liquid produced by dissolving carbon dioxide in water.
Chemistry
Keywords
carbonic acid, carbonated water, weak acid, diprotic acid, carbon dioxide, water, carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, carbonated, mineral water, labile, sour, bubble, inorganic chemistry, chemistry
Related items
Scenes
Ball-and-stick
Carbonic acid H₂CO₃
Information
Molar mass: 62.03 g/mol
Density: 1.0000 g/cm³
Properties
Carbonic acid only exists as an aqueous solution. It is a colourless, odourless, weak acid. When exposed to air for a longer period of time or to heat, it breaks down into carbon dioxide and water. Its salts are called carbonates, while its acid salts are called hydrogen carbonates.
Occurrence and production
In nature, carbonic acid is produced through the dissolution of atmospheric carbon dioxide in water. This plays an important role in weathering processes and in the creation of soil. Its salts are widespread with the most common carbonates being limestone and dolomite. In industry, it is produced by dissolving carbon dioxide in water.
Uses
Carbonic acid is added to mineral water and soft drinks.
Space-filling
Narration
Related items
Carbon cycle
Carbon is bound in organic substances during photosynthesis, while during breathing, it is released into the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) (beginner)
Colourless, odourless, heavier-than-air gas. Necessary for the photosynthesis of plants.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) (intermediate)
Colourless, odourless, heavier-than-air gas. Necessary for the photosynthesis of plants.
Carbon monoxide (CO) (beginner)
Colourless, odourless gas, highly toxic to humans and animals in high concentration.
Carbon monoxide (CO) (intermediate)
Colourless, odourless gas, highly toxic to humans and animals in high concentration.
Water (H₂O)
Water is a very stable compound of hydrogen and oxygen, vital for all known forms of life. In nature it occurs in liquid, solid and gaseous state.
Nitric acid (HNO₃)
One of the oxoacids of nitrogen. A colourless compound with a pungent odour, a strong oxidant.
Nitrous acid (HNO₂)
One of the oxoacids of nitrogen. Colourless, moderate acid with a pungent odour, that exists only in aqueous solution.