Final answer:
Sublimation is the phase transition of a substance directly from solid to gas without becoming liquid, requiring energy input to overcome intermolecular forces. Dry ice sublimating into CO₂ gas is a classic example, and the process is explained by the kinetic theory of matter.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Sublimation?
Sublimation is the process by which a substance transitions from the solid phase directly to the gas phase without passing through the intermediate liquid stage. This phase change typically requires an input of energy for the molecules in the solid state to overcome intermolecular forces and disperse into the gaseous state, consequently occupying a much greater volume. An example of sublimation is when dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide, turns into carbon dioxide gas, creating a fog-like effect commonly used in theaters and for refrigeration purposes. In the natural world, you might observe sublimation when snow or ice evaporates without melting, particularly on sunny, cold days.
The phenomenon of sublimation is consistent with the kinetic theory of matter, which explains that matter is made up of particles that move at different speeds depending on their energy levels. The heat of sublimation is unique to each substance and represents the amount of energy required for this phase change to take place. For instance, the heat of sublimation for water (H₂O) is 620 cal/g.