In terms of solubility, how does carbon dioxide compare to oxygen?

Carbon dioxide is indeed more soluble in water compared to oxygen, making it the correct answer to the question about their solubility. The solubility of gases in water is influenced by various factors, including their chemical properties and interactions with water molecules.

When carbon dioxide is dissolved in water, it reacts to form carbonic acid, which contributes to its higher solubility. This reaction allows a greater amount of carbon dioxide to be present in solution compared to oxygen, which does not undergo such reactive changes in water.

Oxygen's solubility is considerably lower due to its nonpolar characteristics and weaker interactions with water. As a result, while both gases can dissolve in water, carbon dioxide’s ability to form carbonic acid and its general chemical properties contribute to its greater solubility when compared to oxygen.