Sublimation

Sublimation is a chemical process where a solid turns into a gas without going through a liquid stage. This process is endothermic, meaning it absorbs heat from the surroundings. Sublimation is used in various applications, such as in the separation of substances, freeze-drying, and in certain types of printing.

Process

Sublimation occurs when the atmospheric pressure is low, and the temperature is high enough for a substance to go directly from the solid to the gas phase. The temperature at which this happens is called the sublimation point. Sublimation can also occur at normal atmospheric pressure if the substance is heated quickly.

Applications

Sublimation has several practical applications. It is used in the separation of substances because different substances will sublimate at different temperatures. This is useful in the production of pharmaceuticals and in forensic science.

Freeze-drying is another application of sublimation. In this process, food or other materials are frozen and then placed in a vacuum. The water in the material sublimates, leaving behind a dry product that can be stored for a long time without spoiling.

Sublimation is also used in certain types of printing. Sublimation printers use heat to transfer dye onto materials such as a plastic, card, paper, or fabric.

See also

• Phase transition
• Deposition (phase transition)
• Triple point

References

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