 Carbon occurs in the air in the form of carbon dioxide, CO2, which is one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms. CO2 gas is also found dissolved in water. The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is small, but it helps keep the earth warm by trapping solar radiation that enters the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide also plays an important part in life processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. Sources: Lutz, P. 2005. "Carbon". Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia 2005. |
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