In the chemical name "carbon dioxide," the term "dioxide" refers to the composition of the molecule. Specifically, "dioxide" indicates that the molecule consists of two oxygen atoms (di- indicates two) bonded to a carbon atom.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a chemical compound composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. It is a colorless, odorless gas and is a naturally occurring component of Earth's atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is produced through various natural processes like respiration, volcanic activity, and decay, as well as through human activities such as combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation. It plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle and is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change when its concentration increases in the atmosphere.