Carbonate
CO₃²⁻
Carbonate is a chemical compound that contains the carbonate ion (CO32-). This ion is composed of one carbon atom and three oxygen atoms, and it has a negative charge. Carbonates can be found in various forms, such as minerals, rocks, and even in the human body.
One of the most common carbonates is calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which is found in rocks such as limestone and marble. It is also the main component of shells of marine organisms like snails and shellfish. When heated, calcium carbonate can break down into calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas.
Another common carbonate is sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), which is also known as washing soda. It is used in the production of glass, pulp and paper, and various chemicals. Sodium carbonate is also used as a water softener and to adjust the pH level of swimming pools.
Carbonates are important in the chemistry of the Earth’s atmosphere as well. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas that is responsible for trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing global warming. Carbonates in the form of minerals also play a role in the carbon cycle, which is the process by which carbon is cycled through the atmosphere, oceans, and living organisms.
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