Question

Is CO2 an acid or a base?

Answer 1

See explanation.

Explanation:

Acids have the general formula `H_xA` which means that they have to possess one hydrogen atom at least, which is not the case of carbon dioxide `CO_2`.

However, `CO_2` when it dissolved in water it forms the carbonic acid:

`CO_2(g) + H_2O(l)rightleftharpoonsH_2CO_3(aq)`