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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bicarbonate commonly forms when CO₂ molecules enter into water, leading to the reaction: CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃ → HCO₃⁻ + H⁺. This means that bicarbonate and carbon dioxide are related, but not the same thing. Options A and B are incorrect because they suggest carbon dioxide forms when bicarbonate breaks down or migrates from the atmosphere, respectively. Option D is incorrect because bicarbonate and carbon dioxide are structurally and chemically different molecules.

How Are Bicarbonate and Carbon Dioxide Related to One Another