Carbon Dioxide: Simple or Compound?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important component of the Earth's atmosphere and is commonly found in many forms. It is a colorless, odorless gas that is both a natural and a man-made product. But is carbon dioxide a simple or a compound substance?
Simple Substance
A simple substance is a pure substance that consists of only one type of atom. These atoms are not bonded together and exist in the same form regardless of the amount present. Examples of simple substances include oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
Compound Substance
A compound substance, on the other hand, is made up of two or more different types of atoms that are chemically bonded together. This type of substance is not found in nature in its pure form. Examples of compound substances include water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and table salt (NaCl).
Conclusion
Carbon dioxide is a compound substance made up of two different types of atoms: carbon and oxygen. It is not a simple substance because it contains two different types of atoms that are chemically bonded together.