This phenomenon occurs when molecules on the surface of a solid gain enough kinetic energy to break free from the rigid structure of the bulk material and enter the atmosphere as individual particles. If the pressure surrounding a solid is reduced below the vapor pressure of the solid at a given temperature, the solid will sublime.
The Molecular Basis of Sublimation: How Solid Molecules Gain Enough Energy to Turn Into Gas
According to phase diagrams, every substance has a specific boundary, known as the sublimation curve, where the solid and gas phases coexist in equilibrium. Sublimation Printing: Uses heat to transfer dye onto fabric, creating durable designs.
Molecules at the surface are in constant motion; some vibrate vigorously enough to break free. Another familiar instance is the formation of frost on windows during winter; water vapor in the air turns directly into ice crystals on the cold glass surface, which can sometimes reverse into vapor on a sunny day without melting into water.
The Molecular Basis of Sublimation: How Solid Molecules Gain Enough Energy to Transition Directly to Gas
In polar regions, snow and ice can sublime directly into water vapor, contributing to the moisture content of the atmosphere without melting into water. In any solid, atoms or molecules are held in a fixed lattice by intermolecular forces.
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