Final answer:
The compound offered by the dentist for a root canal and known as laughing gas is Nitrous oxide (N₂O). It is used medically as an anesthetic and is a potent greenhouse gas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The laughing gas offered to you by the dentist for your root canal is Nitrous oxide, which is chemically denoted as N₂O. Nitrous oxide is indeed used as an anesthetic in minor surgeries such as dental procedures. Among the options provided: a) Nitrous oxide b) Carbon monoxide c) Hydrogen peroxide d) Sulfur dioxide, the correct answer is a) Nitrous oxide. Not only is N₂O used for its analgesic effects, but it also has the unique property of inducing laughter, hence its common name 'laughing gas'.
Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that is significantly more potent than CO₂ in terms of its effect on global warming. It has several molecular and resonance structures, as shown in educational diagrams illustrating its use and properties. In addition to its medical uses, it is important to note that nitrous oxide is also produced industrially by heating nitrogen and oxygen or by the reduction of nitric acid.