Earlier I asked for a definition of non-volatile. Given the fact that it won't evaporate at all, does it mean that a non-volatile substance is stable in whatever state it is in at room temperature?
Thanks again ahead of time
Not necessarily. Non-volatile means it won't evaporate. It is stable relative to its volatility (or lack therof) but it may not be stable otherwise. For example, it may be radioactive and emit alpha/beta particles or gamma rays. Or a metal might combine with oxygen of the air to form the oxide. Etc.
Thanks for the explanation!
You're welcome! I'm glad I could help explain the concept of non-volatile substances. While non-volatile substances are stable in the sense that they do not evaporate at room temperature, their stability in other aspects may vary. For instance, some non-volatile substances may have other chemical properties that make them unstable or reactive in certain conditions.
It is important to consider other factors such as radioactivity or chemical reactivity when determining the overall stability of a substance. For example, a substance may be non-volatile but still emit radiation, making it potentially unstable in that regard. Similarly, certain metals may combine with oxygen in the air to form oxides, which may affect their stability.
Overall, the term "non-volatile" specifically refers to the substance's tendency to evaporate, rather than its overall stability. To determine the stability of a substance in different states or conditions, it is necessary to consider its specific properties and behavior.