Solubility of Carbon Dioxide in Water

The Acidic Environment‎ > ‎2. Acidic Oxides‎ >

Describe the solubility of carbon dioxide in water under various conditions as an equilibrium process and explain in terms of Le Chatelier’s principle

  • The reaction between carbon dioxide and water is an example of an equilibrium reaction:
  • The following changes to the equilibrium system will have the following effects, with each effect obeying Le Chatelier’s principle by opposing the change:
    • As the forward reaction is exothermic, an increase in temperature causes the system to move in the reverse direction.
    • As the forward reaction is exothermic, a decrease in temperature causes the system to move in the forward direction.
    • An increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide or a decrease in the concentration of carbon dioxide causes the system to move in the forward direction.
    • A decrease in the concentration of carbon dioxide or an increase in the concentration of carbonic acid causes the system to move in the reverse direction.
    • An increase in pressure causes the system to move in the forward direction.
    • A decrease in pressure causes the system to move in the reverse direction.
  • Thus, the solubility of carbon dioxide in water is dependent on temperature, concentration and pressure.