What does sublimation refer to?

Sublimation refers to the process in which a substance transitions directly from a solid state to a gas state without first becoming a liquid. This physical change occurs under certain conditions of temperature and pressure. In sublimation, the molecules in a solid gain enough energy to overcome the forces that hold them together in a solid state, allowing them to disperse into the gas phase.

Common examples of sublimation include dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), which sublimates at room temperature into carbon dioxide gas, and the sublimation of ice in freezer conditions known as “freezer burn.” Understanding sublimation is important in various fields, including food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and materials science, where controlling phase transitions can significantly impact product quality and performance.