VOLATILIZATION Meaning and
Definition
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Volatilization is a chemical process in which a solid or liquid substance transforms into a gaseous state at a relatively low temperature. It occurs when the molecules of the substance gain enough energy to overcome the forces holding them together, resulting in their escape into the air or atmosphere.
The volatilization process can occur naturally, as in the evaporation of water or the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from plants. It can also be induced through various human activities, such as heating, combustion, and the use of volatile solvents or chemicals.
Volatilization is influenced by several factors, including temperature, pressure, humidity, and the surface area or concentration of the substance being volatilized. Higher temperatures generally facilitate the process as they increase the kinetic energy of molecules. Additionally, substances with low boiling points or high vapor pressures are more likely to volatilize easily.
The volatilization process plays a significant role in environmental sciences, particularly in the study of air pollution, toxicology, and the movement of substances within ecosystems. For example, it is a key process in the release of pollutants from industrial activities and the movement of pesticides or fertilizers from agricultural fields into water bodies. Understanding volatilization is crucial for assessing the potential risks and impacts of chemicals on human health and the environment as they transition from a solid or liquid phase to a gaseous phase.
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The process of conversion of a solid or liquid into a vapor; evaporation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VOLATILIZATION
Etymology of VOLATILIZATION
The word "volatilization" is derived from the Latin term "volatilis", which means "flying" or "evaporating". This stem is combined with the suffix "-tion", indicating the act or process of a verb. Thus, "volatilization" refers to the process of becoming volatile or evaporating into a gas form.
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