[sarinbo]

Thank you, I was able to find information about the solubility of co2 in water with a simple google search, however, much of it was beyond me, or the information I received involved the rate at which this happens. I am taking my first chemistry class, so I really just know the basics.  I am interested in the conceptual part of it, how it happens. I am not even sure this can be answered simply to someone with my background. This is an interest to me because I hope to someday be a hydrologist and I truly have many questions about water.  This one is just on my plate at the moment. Thoughts, resources or an honest try would be appreciated.
Thanks!

[DevaDevil]

the solubility of CO₂ in water is one of the more complex equilibria.

CO₂ namely acts as a weak acid with water following:

CO₂ + H₂O <--> H⁺ + HCO₃^- <--> 2H⁺ + CO₃^2-

depending on the pH of the water the equilibrium will shift (le chatelier's principle)

And then of course there is Henry's law explaining the equilibrium of gaseous CO₂ soluted in water with the vapor pressure of CO₂ above the water.


Complex matter. But if you want to know why it solutes at all, you should start with just reading about gas dissolution in liquids.

[sarinbo]

Got it, Thanks.