Thio Teng kiat           2P226              2/1/2011

Carbon Dioxide

Formed when a carbon atom and 2 oxygen atoms react together

Covalent bonding is involved

Oxygen

Oxygen is the element with atomic number 8 and represented by the symbol O. Oxygen is a highly reactive non-metallic element that readily forms compounds (notably oxides) with almost all other elements. It was discovered by Joseph Priestly, Carl Wilhelm Scheele.  Nine isotopes of oxygen are known. Natural oxygen is a mixture of three isotopes. Oxygen gas is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. The liquid and solid forms are a pale blue colour and are strongly paramagnetic.  Approximately two thirds of the human body and nine tenths of the mass of water is oxygen. It is the third most abundant element found in the sun and the earth.

Carbon

 Carbon exists free in nature and has been known since prehistoric time. Carbon is found free in nature in three allotropic forms: amorphous, graphite, and diamond. There are seven natural isotopes of carbon.  Diamond is one of the hardest substances, with a high melting point and index of refraction. Carbon forms numerous and varied compounds with limitless applications. Many thousands of carbon compounds are integral to life processes. Diamond is prized as a gemstone and is used for cutting, drilling, and as bearings. Graphite is used as a crucible for melting metals, in pencils, for rust protection, for lubrication, and as a moderator for slowing neutrons for atomic fission. Amorphous carbon is used for removing tastes and odors.

Formation

Both oxygen atoms have 6 electrons in their valence shells while the carbon atom has 4 valence shells in its valence shell. Hence, each oxygen atom shares 2 electrons with the carbon atom and the carbon atom share 2 electrons with each oxygen atom.

Dot and Cross Diagram