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The gas commonly referred to as "laughing gas" is Nitrous Oxide (N₂O), a colorless, non-flammable gas with a slightly sweet odor and taste. It is widely used in medicine and dentistry as a mild anesthetic and analgesic, often combined with oxygen to relieve pain and anxiety during medical procedures. Its nickname "laughing gas" comes from the temporary feeling of euphoria or giddiness it can produce when inhaled.
Chemical Formula: N₂O
Appearance: Colorless gas
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water but highly soluble in organic compounds and blood.
Stability: Non-flammable but supports combustion under certain conditions.
Medical Use:
Administered for pain relief during dental treatments, childbirth, and minor surgeries.
Industrial Applications:
Used as an oxidizer in rocket propulsion.
Utilized in the food industry, especially in whipped cream dispensers as a propellant.
Scientific Research:
Helps study the mechanisms of anesthesia and brain activity.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): A product of respiration and combustion, not linked to anesthetic or euphoric effects.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): A pungent, toxic gas used in industrial processes, not safe for inhalation.
Sodium Oxide (Na₂O): A solid compound, not a gaseous anesthetic.
Nitrous Oxide is significant in both medicine and atmospheric chemistry, as it is also a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change when released into the atmosphere. Thus, the correct answer is Option C: Nitrous Oxide, the well-known "laughing gas" used for anesthesia and mild sedation.
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