Obtain phase diagrams for water and carbon dioxide.Would it be possible to skate on 'dry ice,' that is, solid CO₂?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Examine the phase diagram for carbon dioxide. Note the regions for solid, liquid, and gas, as well as the critical and triple points.
2. Identify the conditions under which CO₂ is solid. This occurs at low temperatures and high pressures.
3. Consider the conditions required for skating, which involves a thin layer of liquid forming under the skate due to pressure.
4. Note that for CO₂, the solid-to-liquid transition requires high pressure, which is not achievable under normal atmospheric conditions.
5. Conclude that skating on dry ice is not possible because the necessary conditions for a liquid layer to form under the skate cannot be met.

Key Concepts

Phase Diagrams

Phase diagrams are graphical representations that show the states of a substance (solid, liquid, gas) at various temperatures and pressures. They illustrate the conditions under which different phases coexist, such as the triple point where all three phases exist simultaneously. Understanding phase diagrams is crucial for predicting the behavior of substances under varying environmental conditions.

Critical Point

The critical point on a phase diagram marks the end of the liquid-gas phase boundary, beyond which the distinction between liquid and gas phases disappears. At this point, the substance enters a supercritical state, exhibiting properties of both phases. Recognizing the critical point is essential for understanding the behavior of substances like carbon dioxide under high pressure and temperature.

Dry Ice and Its Properties

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and sublimates directly into gas at atmospheric pressure without becoming liquid. Its low temperature (-78.5 °C) allows it to be used for refrigeration and special effects. Understanding the properties of dry ice, including its phase transitions and behavior under different pressures, is important for evaluating its practical applications, such as skating on its surface.