Question

Complete the following equation:
 $C{O_2} + {H_2}O \to $

Answer 1

Hint: The atmospheric gas carbon dioxide $(C{O_2})$ dissolves very easily in water. This is well known in mineral water, which often has $C{O_2}$ added in it. When carbon dioxide reacts with water a weak acid is formed.

Complete step by step answer:
In the dissolution process, Carbon dioxide dissolves in water molecules. When $C{O_2}$ mixes with the water, it is partially converted into carbonic acid, hydrogen ions $({H^ + })$, bicarbonate $(HC{O_3}^ - )$ and carbonate ions $(C{O_3}^{2 - })$.
 $C{O_2}(g) + {H_2}O(I) \to {H_2}C{O_3}(aq)$
The most common source of acidity in water is dissolved carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide enters the water through equilibrium with the atmosphere
 $C{O_2}(aq) \to C{O_2}(g)$
And biological degradation/photosynthesis involving organic carbon, $\{ C{H_2}O\} $
 $\ C{H_2}O\ + {O_2}(aq) \to C{O_2}(aq) + {H_2}O$
Aqueous $C{O_2}$ (aq) also undergoes a number of important inorganic equilibrium reactions. First, it can dissolve limestone
 $CaC{O_3} + C{O_2}(aq) + {H_2}O \to C{a_2} + (aq) + 2HC{O_3}^ - (aq)$
Second, it can react with the water to form carbonic acid
 $C{O_2}(aq) + {H_2}O \to {H_2}C{O_3}(aq)$
A sealed bottle of soda contains carbonic acid. As we break the seal, the pressurized gas containing $C{O_2}$ escapes.

Note: We should note that the reaction of carbon dioxide in seawater proceeds as follows: First the carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid. This then reacts with carbonate ions and forms bicarbonate. Over the long term, ocean acidification leads to a decrease in the concentration of carbonate ions in seawater.