|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
carbonic acid
carbonic acid A weak acid, H2CO3, formed in solution when carbon dioxide is dissolved in water: CO2 + H2O ↔ H2CO3
The acid is in equilibrium with dissolved carbon dioxide, and also dissociates into hydrogencarbonate and hydrogen ions. These reactions, catalysed by carbonic anhydrase, take place in the red blood cells when carbon dioxide diffuses into them from the surrounding tissue cells. See also hydrogencarbonate. |
|
|
Cite this article
"carbonic acid." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "carbonic acid." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-carbonicacid.html "carbonic acid." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-carbonicacid.html |
|
carbonic acid
carbonic acid H 2 CO 3 , a weak dibasic acid (see acids and bases ) formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water; it exists only in solution. Carbonic acid forms carbonate and bicarbonate (or acid carbonate) salts (see carbonate ) by reaction with bases. It contributes to the sharp taste of carbonated beverages. |
|
|
Cite this article
"carbonic acid." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "carbonic acid." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-carbonic.html "carbonic acid." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-carbonic.html |
|
carbonic acid
car·bon·ic ac·id • n. a very weak acid, H2CO3, formed in solution when carbon dioxide dissolves in water. |
|
|
Cite this article
"carbonic acid." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "carbonic acid." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-carbonicacid.html "carbonic acid." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-carbonicacid.html |
|