Sublimation Experiment Using Camphor or Naphthalene – Simple Science Activity

To observe how some solids turn into vapor directly without becoming liquid.

Things You Need:

• Camphor / Naphthalene / Iodine
• Tripod stand
• China dish
• Funnel
• Cotton
• Kerosene burner
• Spatula

Steps:

1. Take some crushed camphor or naphthalene or iodine in a China dish.
2. Place the dish on a tripod stand.
3. Block the nozzle of the funnel with cotton.
4. Invert the funnel over the dish (mouth down).
5. Heat the dish using the kerosene burner.
6. Observe the inner walls of the funnel.

Observation:

• Solid deposit forms on the inner side of the funnel.
• The solid changed directly into vapor, then back to solid.

Conclusion:

• Sublimation is when a solid changes directly to vapor without becoming liquid.
• Camphor, naphthalene, and iodine can undergo sublimation.