What is the chemical formula for carbon dioxide?

The correct chemical formula for carbon dioxide is represented as CO₂. In this formula, the "C" stands for carbon, indicating that there is one carbon atom, and the "O₂" denotes that there are two oxygen atoms bonded to the carbon atom. This composition is crucial because carbon dioxide is a compound formed when carbon reacts with oxygen in a specific ratio, which is essential for various biological and chemical processes, including respiration and photosynthesis. Understanding the structure of CO₂ helps in grasping its role in environmental science and chemistry, where it is recognized as a greenhouse gas and a critical component in the carbon cycle.