In this activity, students investigate some of the physical, chemical and physiological properties of carbon dioxide gas. In addition, a model demonstrating the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will be constructed.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
- describe a chemical test for CO2
- relate the water solubility of CO2 to temperature
- describe some of the uses of carbon dioxide
- describe the effects rising levels of CO2 in inhaled air can have on the body
- gain an appreciation of the meaning of the term part per million.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
- introduction/background notes
- what you need
- what to do
- student handout.
Related Content
Use these articles below to help introduce some of the ideas and concepts behind this activity:
- Carbonate chemistry – Calcium carbonate is the principal mineral component of limestone. Its chemical and physical properties lie behind the societal use of limestone and the unique limestone landscapes of the countryside.
- Limestone uses – The calcium carbonate content of limestone rocks has been used from the earliest civilisations. Today, it is a valuable resource that services the needs of a multitude of industries.
- Gaseous atmosphere – The Earth’s atmosphere is a layer of gases held close to its surface by gravity. It plays a crucial role in supporting life, screening out harmful radiation and determining weather and climate.
Find out more about limestone with geologists Professor Cam Nelson and Dr Steve Hood in this interactive Limestone secrets revealed.
