Question

While offering prayer , Riya’s mother lit incense sticks and camphor. Riya was surprised to see that the camphor did not leave any residue while incense sticks turned into ashes. Explain the reason for both. ​

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Sublimation 2. Combustion

Explanation:

1) Camphor disappears after some time as its surface gains kinetic energy and directly gets converted into gas. The process of converting directly into gaseous form and not in a liquid state is termed as sublimation. Hence, when camphor is given fire, it gets converted into gas and disappears, without leaving any residue.

2) Incense is aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burned and since it is not sublime, leaves residue of ashes behind it upon combustion.