Dry ice is used on a performing stage to produce mist in air. The process involved is an example of
[amp_mcq option1=”sublimation” option2=”evaporation” option3=”condensation” option4=”precipitation” correct=”option1″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2022
The correct answer is sublimation.
Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide. At atmospheric pressure, solid carbon dioxide changes directly into gaseous carbon dioxide without melting into a liquid. This process is called sublimation. The visible ‘mist’ produced when dry ice is used is actually water vapour in the surrounding air condensing or freezing due to the extremely cold carbon dioxide gas. However, the primary phase transition of the dry ice itself is sublimation, which drives the cooling effect leading to the mist formation.