Question

An equation is shown below: H₂O (s) → H₂0 (g). (g) represents a gas phase (state), while (s) represents a solid phase (state). From this reaction, which statement best explains the reaction?

A) Water freezes into ice.
B) Water boils into steam.
C) Water condenses into liquid.
D) Water sublimates into vapor.

Answer 1

The given equation represents the process of water sublimating from solid (ice) directly to gas (vapor), which is known as sublimation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation H₂O (s) → H₂O (g) represents water sublimating into vapor. The phase change from solid (s) to gas (g) without becoming liquid is known as sublimation. This occurs when water molecules gain enough energy to break free from the solid structure of ice and transition directly into the gas phase as water vapor. In contrast, boiling is the transition from liquid to gas and freezing is the process by which water transitions from liquid to solid, neither of which apply here.