- Decrepitation
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Decrepitation is the breaking of a substance usually accompanied by the emission of a crackling sound. An example for a substance which decrepitates on heating is lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2). The crackling noise which several salts make when suddenly heated, accompanied by a violent exfoliation of their particles. It has been attributed to the sudden conversion of the water they contain into steam. It is also shown by most ammonium salts and by barium nitrate. It is an important characteristic property that is used in dry tests within the laboratory.
References
- Penguin Science Dictionary 1994, Penguin Books
- http://chestofbooks.com/crafts/mechanics/Engineer-Mechanic-Encyclopedia-Vol1/Decrepitation.html
Categories:- Chemical processes
- Chemistry stubs
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