Question

Which of the following is true for the sublimation of a solid substance?

A) ∆S = 0 and ∆H = 0.
B) ∆S < 0 and ∆H < 0.
C) ∆S<0 and ∆H > 0.
D) ∆S > 0 and ∆H > 0.
E) ∆S > 0 and ∆H < 0.

Answer 1

The correct answer for the sublimation of a solid substance is option E) ∆S > 0 and ∆H < 0.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer for the sublimation of a solid substance is option E) ∆S > 0 and ∆H < 0.

Sublimation is the direct conversion of a solid to a gas without an intervening liquid phase. During sublimation, there is an increase in entropy (∆S > 0) because the gas phase has greater disorder than the solid phase. There is a decrease in enthalpy (∆H < 0) because energy is absorbed to break the intermolecular forces holding the solid together.