What process involves changing from a solid to a gas without becoming a liquid?

The process of changing from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid phase is known as sublimation. This is a unique phase transition that occurs under specific conditions of pressure and temperature. A classic example of sublimation is dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide. As it warms, dry ice transitions directly into carbon dioxide gas. Similarly, substances like snow and ice can also sublimate in certain conditions, transitioning to water vapor without forming liquid water.

In contrast, condensation refers to the transition from a gas to a liquid, while vaporization encompasses the process of transitioning from a liquid to a gas, which also includes boiling and evaporation. Deposition is the reverse of sublimation, where a gas transitions directly into a solid without becoming a liquid. Understanding these processes is vital in fields like refrigeration and air conditioning, where phase changes are commonly exploited for cooling and heating applications.