The solid form of carbon dioxide is known as dry ice and it is primarily used as a cooling agent. Dry ice is the most unique type of ice that you can find in the world. It is not rare, but just different from regular ice in the way that it is not made out of frozen water but frosted carbon dioxide. Dry ice is made by cooling carbon dioxide under extremely cold temperatures.
Uses of dry ice at home and labs.
When looking for quick freezing of drinks, food or while carrying out experimentation, dry ice is the best option to use to save time. In Laboratories, the experiment in which quick cooling is needed, dry ice is used as an agent for this purpose. While cooking also, it can be used to easily freeze things and foods.
Dry ice has the capability of instant freezing before getting completely sublimated, any surface that is brought in contact with it freezes instantly, thereby saving the time consumed while using a refrigerator. Generally, it is only used in labs and Laboratories while carrying out experiments.
Precautions to take while using dry ice for experiment purposes.
- The first and foremost thing is to not touch it with naked hands. The temperature of dry ice is extremely cold and it can cause severe frostbite if you hold it with your hands directly.
- Never store dry ice in an airtight container. Dry ice has the property of getting directly converted into solid state to gaseous state. Therefore, due to sublimation, it will keep on turning into its gaseous form, eventually making the container burst from the excessive amount of gas inside it causing injuries if people are around that container.
- While using dry ice for experiment in a lab, always wear safety goggles and leave the area immediately if you have even a minor difficulty in catching A breath. This is a sign of the inhalation of excess of carbon dioxide. It could be dangerous to your life Never place the dry ice directly on the countertop made of concrete or glass, it will produce cracks on the surface, eventually damaging the area around.
Conclusion
Dry ice is no doubt an excellent quick-freezing agent but you have to be very careful while using dry ice for experiment purposes. When the experiment is completed, make sure that you dispose of the dry ice in an open area by storing it in partially ventilated containers and away from the reach of children who may get harmed if they come in contact with that. Also, always wear a safety mask and clinical gloves while working with dry ice to ensure complete safety.
