Why Do Solids Sublime into Gas?

  • Thread starter THANApHD
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Sublimation
In summary, the process of sublimation involves the separation of molecules from the surface of a solid to form a gas. This is due to the greater attraction between the air molecules and the weaker molecularly structured solid molecules, causing them to be pulled away from the solid and into the air. This is a continuous process that can occur at low pressure and the right temperature, as shown in the phase diagram. In the winter, sublimation can be seen with water molecules, allowing for clothes to dry when hung outside.
  • #1
THANApHD
1
0
Any one knows the reason for the Sublimation( solid to gas). I think the attraction between the air molecules and the weaker molecular stuctured solid molecules. its and adhesion effect. the molecules in surface of the solid is being attracted by the air molecules ( such like polar molecules NO2 H2O ). but this attraction is grater than the atrraction between the other molecules in the solid. so it is separated and goes away. this is a continues action. Is this answer is right?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
THANApHD said:
Any one knows the reason for the Sublimation( solid to gas). I think the attraction between the air molecules and the weaker molecular stuctured solid molecules. its and adhesion effect. the molecules in surface of the solid is being attracted by the air molecules ( such like polar molecules NO2 H2O ). but this attraction is grater than the atrraction between the other molecules in the solid. so it is separated and goes away. this is a continues action. Is this answer is right?
Your answer is wrong. If you Google on the word sublimation, you will find lots of explanations and examples.
 
  • #3
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/Phase-diag.svg/575px-Phase-diag.svg.png" [Broken]


This is a phase diagram. If you look at the graph you can see that at a low enough pressure and the right temperature, sublimation can occur. In the winter you could hang your clothes out to dry since the water would sublime off.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4
gravenewworld said:
In the winter you could hang your clothes out to dry since the water would sublime off.
What? /* ...*/
 

1. What is sublimation?

Sublimation is a physical process in which a substance transitions directly from its solid state to its gas state without passing through the liquid state.

2. What are the reasons for sublimation to occur?

Sublimation can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as a decrease in atmospheric pressure, an increase in temperature, or exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.

3. How does sublimation differ from evaporation?

Sublimation differs from evaporation in that it involves the direct transition from solid to gas, while evaporation involves the transition from liquid to gas.

4. What are some real-life examples of sublimation?

Some common examples of sublimation include dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) turning into gas when exposed to room temperature, and moth balls (solid naphthalene) slowly disappearing without any liquid residue.

5. Can sublimation be reversed?

Yes, sublimation can be reversed through a process called deposition, in which a gas transitions directly into its solid state without passing through the liquid state.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
23
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
691
  • Classical Physics
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • General Discussion
Replies
3
Views
947
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
1
Views
945
Back
Top