What is the term for the process where a solid changes directly into a gas?

The process where a solid changes directly into a gas is known as sublimation. This phenomenon occurs without the solid passing through a liquid state. A common example of sublimation is dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), which turns directly into carbon dioxide gas at room temperature.

The significance of sublimation lies in its applications in various fields, including food preservation and manufacturing. Understanding this process is essential for professionals in esthetics, particularly when dealing with products that may contain sublimating ingredients or when applying treatments that involve temperature changes.

Other terms in the question are related to changes in state but describe different processes. Condensation refers to the transformation of vapor into a liquid, evaporation describes the conversion of a liquid into a gas, and deposition is the process where a gas directly turns into a solid. Each of these processes highlights other physical changes in matter, distinct from sublimation.