Changes of State

When can sublimation occur?

Sublimation occurs in solids with vapor pressures that exceed atmospheric pressure at or near room temperature.

The change of a substance from a solid to a vapor without passing through the liquid state is called sublimation. Sublimation can occur because solids, like liquids, have a vapor pressure.

The change of a substance from a solid to a vapor without passing through the liquid state is called sublimation. Sublimation can occur because solids, like liquids, have a vapor pressure.

How are the conditions at which phases are in equilibrium represented on a phase diagram?

The conditions of pressure and temperature at which two phases exist in equilibrium are indicated on a phase diagram by a line separating the phases.

phase diagram

a graph showing the conditions at which a substance exists as a solid, liquid, or vapor

Triple Point

the point on a phase diagram that represents the only set of conditions at which all three phases exist in equilibrium with one another

sublimation

the process in which a solid changes to a gas or vapor without passing through the liquid state