Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide, the same gas we exhale out from our lungs. While in its solid form, if heat is added it will sublime, meaning it will pass the liquid state and automatically go to its gaseous state. If put in water, dry ice will sublime at a more faster rate than being left alone. Dry ice sublimes because the room temperature is higher than its boiling point that it boils instantly from the solid state. It is generally used as a freezing agent.
Carbon dioxide gas makes up dry ice. The CO2 gas is pressurized with special machines to become a liquid. The CO2 liquid is then put into either a block press or pelletizer. These specialized machines have compartments in which, once released to pressure from the atmosphere,
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It’s even colder than regular ice. If you store dry ice in your freezer, your freezer will most likely break down due to the dry ice being so cold. If it were to break, dry ice would still be able to cool your frozen foods. Dry ice can reach temperatures as low as -109.3°F.
Some uses of dry ice include carbonating liquids i.e., sparkling mineral water or soda pop. Another use for dry ice is food storage or food preservation so food will not spoil or go bad. If not food, then sport fish and game to minimize spoilage while transporting it home. One major use is to attract mosquitoes, because mosquitoes are mostly attracted to carbon dioxide which dry ice is made from. While out camping it might be helpful to bring dry ice so mosquitoes won’t be attracted to you but to the dry ice.
It’s always safe to wear gloves while handling with dry ice. It is harmless if you only touch it briefly but if you touch it for a long period of time, you will get the same result as if you would have gotten a burn. Make sure to store dry ice in a thick, insulated container or compartment so as to slow down its sublimation rate but make sure it is not airtight. While picking up dry ice make sure it is as close to the time you’re supposed to get it because it sublimes pretty quickly. If you’re in an enclosed place where there is dry ice near, make sure to be wary and stay as far away so as not to breath in too much carbon