Solid carbon dioxide, commonly known as dry ice, is a substance that is formed by the process of sublimation of carbon dioxide gas. Its spelling is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈsɑlɪdˌkɑrbən daɪˈɒksaɪd/. The word "solid" is represented as /ˈsɑlɪd/ and "carbon dioxide" as /ˈkɑrbən daɪˈɒksaɪd/. The correct spelling is important for chemical and scientific communication to ensure that it is easily understood and accurately represented in research and experimentation.
Solid carbon dioxide, commonly known as dry ice, is a substance that exists in a solid form at temperatures below -78.5 degrees Celsius (-109.3 degrees Fahrenheit). It is the solid state of carbon dioxide, which is naturally a gas at standard temperature and pressure. Solid carbon dioxide is mainly composed of carbon and oxygen atoms, arranged in a lattice structure that resembles ice.
When carbon dioxide gas is cooled and pressurized, it undergoes a phase transition directly from a gas to a solid, bypassing the liquid state. This unique process is known as deposition. Solid carbon dioxide does not require any intermediate liquid phase for its formation, which is why it is referred to as "dry ice." The name dry ice is also derived from the fact that it sublimates, transitioning directly from a solid to a gas without melting into a liquid.
Solid carbon dioxide is widely used for various applications due to its unique properties. It sublimates at a temperature of -78.5 degrees Celsius and produces carbon dioxide gas, which makes it a popular cooling agent. It is commonly used in industries such as food preservation, shipping and transport, scientific research, and entertainment, where controlled cooling or the creation of visual effects using fog or smokelike substances are required. Additionally, due to its extremely low temperatures, solid carbon dioxide should be handled with caution to prevent frostbite or burns.