Understanding Dry Ice: How It Melts and Sublimates

TLDRDry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide, appears dry and disappears when heat is applied. The white fog produced by dry ice is actually the result of water vapor condensing. Dry ice cannot be melted directly, as it sublimates from a solid to a gas. The pressure affects the phase changes of dry ice. It can be pressurized to become a liquid, and when the pressure is released, it freezes again. Dry ice should never be put in a closed container, as it can cause an explosion.

Key insights

🧊Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2).

💨The white fog produced by dry ice is actually water vapor condensing.

🔥Dry ice disappears when heat is applied due to sublimation.

⚗️Dry ice cannot be melted directly, as it goes from a solid to a gas.

💥Dry ice should never be put in a closed container, as it can cause an explosion.

Q&A

What is dry ice made of?

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Why does dry ice produce white fog?

The white fog produced by dry ice is actually water vapor condensing.

Can dry ice be melted?

Dry ice cannot be melted directly, as it goes from a solid to a gas.

Is dry ice dangerous?

Dry ice can be dangerous if put in a closed container, as it can cause an explosion.

Can dry ice be held in bare hands?

Dry ice can be handled with bare hands, but it is recommended to use gloves or tongs to avoid frostbite.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2) that appears dry and disappears when heat is applied.

00:23The white fog produced by dry ice is the result of water vapor condensing due to the extreme cold temperatures of the dry ice.

01:03Dry ice cannot be melted directly, as it undergoes sublimation, transitioning from a solid directly to a gas.

03:55Dry ice should never be put in a closed container, as the pressure build-up can cause an explosion.

05:18When the pressure is released, the liquid dry ice quickly freezes back into its solid form.

05:42The phase changes of dry ice can be manipulated by altering the pressure it is subjected to.

06:01Dry ice sublimates at atmospheric pressure, meaning it goes from solid to gas without becoming a liquid.

06:31Water ice can also undergo sublimation under specific conditions, skipping the liquid phase.