What term describes the conversion of a solid into a vapour with no intermediate liquid stage?

What term describes the conversion of a solid into a vapour with no intermediate liquid stage?

• A. Sublimation
• B. Evaporation
• C. Deposition
• D. Condensation

Answer: (A)

Sublimation is the process where a solid changes directly into a vapour without becoming a liquid first. In the water cycle this means ice or snow turning straight into water vapor, which happens under conditions of energy input with relatively low atmospheric pressure or very dry, sunny environments (such as high mountains or desert areas). This differentiates it from evaporation, which is liquid turning into vapour; from deposition, which is vapour turning into a solid; and from condensation, which is vapour turning into a liquid. Hence, sublimation is the correct term.

Sublimation is the process where a solid changes directly into a vapour without becoming a liquid first. In the water cycle this means ice or snow turning straight into water vapor, which happens under conditions of energy input with relatively low atmospheric pressure or very dry, sunny environments (such as high mountains or desert areas). This differentiates it from evaporation, which is liquid turning into vapour; from deposition, which is vapour turning into a solid; and from condensation, which is vapour turning into a liquid. Hence, sublimation is the correct term.