Koltvísýra

Koltvísýra is the Icelandic word for carbon dioxide. It is a chemical compound with the formula CO2. At standard temperature and pressure, it is a gas. The molecule consists of a carbon atom covalently double-bonded to two oxygen atoms. It occurs naturally in the Earth's atmosphere as a trace gas. Plants use carbon dioxide in the process of photosynthesis to create food, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Animals exhale carbon dioxide as a waste product of respiration. Carbon dioxide is also a significant greenhouse gas, playing a role in regulating the Earth's temperature. Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, have led to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, contributing to climate change. In industrial applications, carbon dioxide is used in processes like welding, refrigeration, and fire suppression. It is also present in carbonated beverages. The compound is colorless and odorless in its gaseous state. It can be liquefied under pressure.