Definitions by Mr.ITCOW

volatile 

Volatile is a property matter has, this property is usually placed on liquids but exceptions for solids can be made as well: such as dry ice. A volatile liquid/solid evaporates at room temperature, it does not have to evaporate fully like boiling water or any boiling matter. Just as long as it evaporates a little it has the "volatile" property even though the degree will vary. This is caused by low intermolecular forces within the matter, low intermolecular forces also cause high vapor pressures.

Student: "Why does my glass of water evaporate over time?"
Professor: "Yikes, you mean you don't know and your in AP Chem? Because water is volatile. Is that cool or what?"

volatile by Mr.ITCOW January 7, 2008