Final answer:
Water vapor can transform into a solid without passing through the liquid phase through a process known as deposition, the reverse of sublimation. This is observed in the formation of frost on cold surfaces and is utilized practically with dry ice for shipping perishables.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, water vapor can change directly to a solid. This process is known as deposition, which is the reverse of sublimation. Sublimation is a phase transition in which a substance moves from solid to gas without passing through the liquid phase. Dry ice, or solid carbon dioxide, is a common example of a substance that sublimes at room temperature. Deposition occurs when water vapor in the air comes into contact with a surface that is below the freezing point of water. The water vapor bypasses the liquid phase and becomes solid, forming frost.
Deposition is responsible for the beautiful frost patterns you might see on a cold window. Figure 14.11 showcases this phenomenon, where frost forms intricate designs directly from the water vapor present in the air. Moreover, sublimation and deposition are processes that significantly contribute to the natural cycle of snow and ice in different climates, under various temperature and pressure conditions. It's important to recognize that the direct transitions between solid and vapor are not only common but also serve practical purposes, such as in the shipping of perishables with dry ice.