What characterizes an invert emulsion compared to a normal emulsion?

An invert emulsion is characterized by the dispersion of water droplets within a continuous oil phase. This means that in an invert emulsion, the oil serves as the external phase, while the water is dispersed as separate droplets throughout the oil. This is in contrast to a normal emulsion, where oil droplets are dispersed in a continuous water phase.

Understanding the structure of emulsions is important in pesticide applications, especially in aquatic environments where the formulation's efficacy may depend on its stability and interaction with water. By being able to identify the characteristics of invert emulsions, applicators can select the right formulations for the specific conditions they will encounter in aquatic pest control.