Which term describes the process of a solid turning directly into a gas?

Which term describes the process of a solid turning directly into a gas?

• A. Melting
• B. Vaporization
• C. Condensation
• D. Sublimation

Answer: (D)

Sublimation describes a solid changing directly into a gas. This happens when the particles in the solid gain enough energy to break free from the solid structure and enter the gas phase without first becoming a liquid, often under conditions of low pressure or higher temperatures. It’s different from melting, which is solid to liquid, and from vaporization, which is liquid to gas (via evaporation or boiling). Condensation is the reverse of vaporization, gas turning into a liquid. An everyday example is dry ice turning into carbon dioxide gas at room temperature.

Sublimation describes a solid changing directly into a gas. This happens when the particles in the solid gain enough energy to break free from the solid structure and enter the gas phase without first becoming a liquid, often under conditions of low pressure or higher temperatures. It’s different from melting, which is solid to liquid, and from vaporization, which is liquid to gas (via evaporation or boiling). Condensation is the reverse of vaporization, gas turning into a liquid. An everyday example is dry ice turning into carbon dioxide gas at room temperature.