Q&A for How to Test for CO₂

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  • Question
    Why should the test for carbon dioxide be performed immediately after collection of water sample?
    Meredith Juncker, PhD
    Scientific Researcher
    Meredith Juncker is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases.
    Scientific Researcher
    Expert Answer
    You want to perform the test immediately because the carbon dioxide that's present in the water can escape into the atmosphere if you wait.
  • Question
    Is carbon dioxide harmful to humans?
    Meredith Juncker, PhD
    Scientific Researcher
    Meredith Juncker is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases.
    Scientific Researcher
    Expert Answer
    It depends on how much carbon dioxide is present. In small amounts, it's not harmful to humans. However, if a large amount of carbon dioxide is present and displaces the oxygen in the air, it can cause respiratory issues for humans. The lack of oxygen can cause a person to breath rapidly and experience rapid heartbeat. If the lack of oxygen happens for a long time, the person might have damage to the brain, heart, and other organs.
  • Question
    What happens to the calcium hydroxide solutions when carbon dioxide bubbles through it?
    Community Answer
    Calcium hydroxide, or limewater, will turn milky/cloudy when carbon dioxide is bubbled through it.
  • Question
    How can oxygen gas be identified?
    Community Answer
    Keep the gas contained in a test tube. Then, light a splint (a stick of wood). Blow out the splint, then uncork the gas and place the splint inside while it is still glowing. If it is oxygen, then the splint should relight.
  • Question
    Why does calcium hydroxide solution turn milky when calcium carbonate is added?
    Community Answer
    The calcium hydroxide solution reacts with the carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate and water. The calcium carbonate is a solid and the particles are suspended in the solution, therefore the white precipitate causes the solution to turn milky.
  • Question
    How do I test for CO2 in the air?
    Community Answer
    Capture the gas using a compressor, then cool the gas into a liquid. Fractional distillation can then be used to separate the gases with different boiling points. After this, you can use the tests above.
  • Question
    What is a CO 2 test called?
    Community Answer
    If you bubble it through limewater, it's simply called "bubble it through limewater". However, if you're testing it with a match, then it's "testing it with a lit splint". There is no "proper" name for the test.
  • Question
    Is CO2 present in water?
    Upnorth Here
    Top Answerer
    Yes, if the water is carbonated, then it most likely contains CO2. That's about all.
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