Why substances can undergo sublimation and turn into gas?

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    Gas Sublimation
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SUMMARY

Certain substances, such as solid carbon dioxide, can undergo sublimation, transitioning directly from solid to gas without passing through a liquid phase. The primary factors influencing sublimation are temperature and pressure conditions, rather than the inherent properties of the substances themselves. For example, water can also sublimate under specific conditions, such as when the pressure is below its triple-point. Understanding the characteristics that facilitate sublimation requires a deeper exploration into the chemical properties of various substances.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of phase transitions in chemistry
  • Knowledge of temperature and pressure effects on states of matter
  • Familiarity with the concept of the triple-point in thermodynamics
  • Basic principles of sublimation and its applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the triple-point of various substances and its significance
  • Explore the conditions under which water undergoes sublimation
  • Investigate the chemical properties of substances that favor sublimation
  • Learn about phase diagrams and their role in understanding sublimation
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, researchers in material science, and anyone interested in the physical properties of substances and phase transitions.

kfa
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Why is is that certain substances, (example: solid carbon dioxide) can undergo sublimation and turn into gas without undergoing liquid form when heated?

What is the general characteristics that enable certain substances to undergo sublimation?

Is it possible to have a substance that can undergo sublimation and melting process when heated?
 
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(You may be better served asking this in the chemistry forum.)

Sublimation can occur for just about any substance under the right conditions (for example, water can undergo sublimation when the pressure is less than that at the triple-point). In other words, I think you will find that the conditions (temperature and pressure) rather than the substance itself is more critical in determining whether sublimation occurs or not.

The next logical question is therefore "why do some substances more readily undergo sublimation at room temperature and pressure than others?". That is a question for the chemists.

Claude.
 

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