Volatile

Volatile refers to a substance that changes readily from solid or liquid to a vapor. It is a term used in chemistry to describe the high vapor pressures resulting from a low boiling point.

Overview

The term volatile comes from the Latin volatilis, meaning "to fly". In the context of chemistry, it describes a substance that readily evaporates at room temperature. Volatile substances include water, alcohol, and the essential oils of plants. They are also a large group of compounds that are used in a variety of products, such as paints, lacquers, and cleaning supplies.

Characteristics

Volatile substances have high vapor pressure at room temperature compared to non-volatile compounds. They also have a low boiling point, which is why they evaporate or sublimate readily. In addition, volatile substances can change their state from a liquid or solid to a gas at a relatively low heat.

Applications

Volatile substances have many applications. They are used in perfumes due to their ability to evaporate and provide a scent. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used in paint thinners and lacquers. They are also used in the food industry, for example in baking and in the production of chocolate.

Health effects

Exposure to volatile substances can have various health effects, depending on the specific substance and the level of exposure. Some volatile substances, such as certain VOCs, can cause health problems such as headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory problems. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health problems like cancer.

See also

• Vapor pressure
• Volatile organic compound
• Sublimation (phase transition)

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