Carbon Dioxide Molecule

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lpham21's picture
Submitted by lpham21 on Tue, 19/07/2016 - 13:30

Carbon dioxide, which has the molecular formula CO2, is a chemical compound discovered by Joseph Black, a Scottish scientist, in the 1750s. It is a colourless, odourless gas produced by respiration and combustion. 

Below is my three dimensional model of a carbon dioxide molecule (the white central sphere represents the carbon atom while the oxygen atoms are modelled by the blue spheres):

Carbon dioxide is a covalent molecule, consisting of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. These atoms join to form a double bong, with two electrons shared between each carbon and oxygen atoms, hence the structural formula: O=C=O. Carbon consists of 6 protons, 6 neutrons and 6 electrons distributed into two orbital shells; 2 in the initial shell and 4 in the second. The three naturally occurring isotopes of carbon are 12C, 13C and 14C. Oxygen contains a nucleus of 8 protons and 8 neutrons as well as 8 electrons. The electrons orbit around the nucleus in two shells; 2 in the first and 6 in the second.

Carbon dioxide is one of the most copious gasses in the Earth's atmosphere and is vital for both animal and plant life through processes including photosynthesis and respiration. Carbon dioxide is also used by humans in a variety of ways: to carbonate soft drinks, in fire extinguishers and in the agricultural industry to enhance and increase plant growth. 
 
For further information on carbon dioxide, the following websites may be useful:
http://scied.ucar.edu/carbon-dioxide 
http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/CO2/CO2jm.htm 
http://www.lenntech.com/carbon-dioxide.htm 
http://quatr.us/chemistry/atoms/carbondioxide.htm 
 
The difficulties encountered whilst programming was adjusting the direction and orientation of the 'turtle' and the scale and sizing of the spheres and cylinders. Through trial and error, my partner and I were able to complete our 3D model. Despite these complications, I found the course beneficial and engaging. 
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