This web site: www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/chem00/chem00283.htm
Says this:
"Moth balls" is a generic term that can refer to at least three very
different chemical compounds: 1,4 dichlorobenzene, camphor, or naphthalene.
The melting point of these compounds is 53, 178, and 80 C. respectively. The
vapor pressure of each of these compounds at their respective melting points
is about 10 mm Hg. This vapor pressure is sufficiently high that the compounds
sublime [vaporize from the solid] if they are heated in an open environment.
The "moth balls" perform an action called "Subliming". That is, they go from a solid state directing to a gaseous state. This is the same thing that 'Dry Ice' does. Dry Ice is solid CO2 , and does not melt into a liquid state, but rather it goes from solid to gas directly.
In the case of moth balls in air, the moth balls themselves are the solute (the substance being dissolved or dispersed) and air is the solvent (the substance in which the solute is dissolved or dispersed). However, it's worth noting that moth balls do not actually dissolve in air but release vapors that act as repellents.
Moth balls are made of naphthalene, a compound that contains hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are used to keep away moths.
Mothballs work as an insecticide by giving off toxic gases that kill moths, moth larvae and moth eggs in woolen fabrics sealed in tight containers with mothballs. The traditional mothballs generally contain naphthalene and/or paradichlorobenzene. From a solid mothball, it sublimates, forming gas. The particles (see Kinetic Particle Theory) in the mothball gas will then diffuse in the cupboard. By diffusing, the whole cupboard will then have the noxious vapours, which interfere with the respiratory system of the moth or pest, killing it. If there is no present moth/pest in the cupboard, then the noxious vapours will prevent them from coming.
Yes, moth balls contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to humans when inhaled in high concentrations. Prolonged exposure to moth ball fumes may lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory irritation. It is important to use moth balls according to the manufacturer's instructions in a well-ventilated area to minimize these risks.
The naphthalene balls will undergo sublimation even at room temperature. When these balls are used to protect the clothes from moths, we can identify the smell of the balls. This is due to its sublimation which makes it to become small.
The four requirements for sublimation are: a solid substance must have a high vapor pressure at a certain temperature, the pressure of the substance in the environment must be lower than its vapor pressure, the substance must be able to undergo a phase change directly from solid to gas without passing through the liquid phase, and there must be sufficient energy for the solid particles to break free and transition to the gas phase.
Condensation is changing from a gas to a liquid. In sublimation, substance goes directly from solid to gas without ever becoming a liquid. Moth balls and dry ice both do that.
The moth balls get smaller by the process of evaporation. Due to the health risks of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (newer type), and flammability of naphthalene (older type), other substances like camphor are sometimes used.
The "moth balls" perform an action called "Subliming". That is, they go from a solid state directing to a gaseous state. This is the same thing that 'Dry Ice' does. Dry Ice is solid CO2 , and does not melt into a liquid state, but rather it goes from solid to gas directly.
Moth balls do not control gophers. They do tend to repel them as they do not like the scent of the moth ball though.
Because when you fry moths and then freeze them they become little balls there for being frozen moth balls!
Yes, heat plays a large roll in the disintegration of moth balls. Ventilation is another main factor in disintegration of moth balls.
No, camphor balls and moth balls are not the same thing. Camphor balls are made from natural camphor and are used for their aromatic properties. Moth balls are typically made from naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene and are used as a pest deterrent for moths and other insects.
moth balls
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moth balls