Ask A Scientist© Chemistry Archive

 > >    name         ANN HILLS
 > >    status       student
 > >    age          14

 > >    Question -   If we breath out carbon dioxide, why dosen't it react
 > > with everything, like vinegar and baking soda


Hi Ann,

     I'm not sure I understand your question.  Vinegar and baking soda react
to produce carbon dioxide.  The carbon dioxide from that reaction doesn't
react with other things (at least not much).

     Of course, plants use carbon dioxide as a source of carbon for growth,
releasing the oxygen so that we can breathe it again.  Also, some CO2
reacts with (dissolves in) water (such as lakes and oceans) to form
carbonic acid (very weak!).

     I hope this helps.

Greg Bradburn
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