How are bicarbonate and carbon dioxide (CO₂)related to one another?
A)CO₂ forms when bicarbonate minerals break down.
B)CO₂ forms when bicarbonate migrates from the atmosphere into soils.
C)Bicarbonate forms when CO₂ molecules dissolve in water.
D)Bicarbonate and CO₂ are the same thing.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bicarbonate forms when CO₂ molecules dissolve in water. As carbon dioxide dissolves in water, some of it will react with water molecules to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃). Carbonic acid then dissociates into bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) and hydrogen ions (H⁺).

How Are Bicarbonate and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)related to One Another