Common Compounds

Water

Formula: H2O

Where is it found?Liquid water covers most of the Earth’s surface. Frozen water (ice) can be found near the poles. Water vapor is found in the atmosphere.

Uses: Water is essential to all life, and is a major force in the shaping of the Earth’s surface.

Carbon dioxideFormula: CO2

Where is it found?CO2 exists as a gas in the atmosphere. It is produced by fires, volcanoes, fossil fuel use, and respiration (breathing)

Uses: CO2 is used by plants during photosynthesis. It is a major “greenhouse gas” that impacts global climate. Frozen CO2 is known as “dry ice”

Sodium chloride

Formula: NaClWhere is it found?NaCl (salt) is found in the oceans and

in underground deposits left by ancient oceans.

Uses: Salt is used in cooking, seasoning, and preserving food. It is also required for the health of many living things.

Glucose (Sugar)

Formula: C6H12O6

Where is it found?Sugar is produced by plants during

photosynthesis.

Uses: Sugar is used as an energy source by many organisms. It is in many foods. It has a sweet taste.

Calcium carbonate

Formula: CaCO3

Where is it found?Occurs naturally in limestone, marble,

and chalk. It is a major part of marine animal shells, pearls, and eggshells.

Uses: CaCO3 is used in many industries, pottery, and as a calcium supplement.

Silicon dioxide (Silica)

Formula: SiO2

Where is it found?It is the most common mineral on

the Earth’s surface. It is a major part of sand and quartz.

Uses: SiO2 is used to make glass, fiber optics, and many industrial applications.