Which sentence describes an example of sublimation? A. Dew forms on leaves on a cold morning
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: No, sentence A does not describe sublimation.
Explanation:
Sublimation is a physical process where a substance changes directly from a solid state to a gas state without passing through the liquid state. This phase change happens under specific conditions of temperature and pressure.
Example of sublimation:
Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) turning directly into carbon dioxide gas at room temperature is a common example of sublimation.
Now, let’s analyze sentence A:
A. Dew forms on leaves on a cold morning
- Dew formation is a result of condensation, not sublimation.
- Condensation happens when water vapor (gas) in the air cools down and changes into liquid water droplets on surfaces like leaves.
- In this process, water vapor goes from gas to liquid, not solid to gas.
Summary of phase changes involved:
| Phase Change | Definition | Example from sentence A? |
|---|---|---|
| Sublimation | Solid → Gas (without liquid phase) | No |
| Condensation | Gas → Liquid | Yes (dew forming on leaves) |
| Deposition | Gas → Solid (opposite of sublimation) | No |
| Freezing | Liquid → Solid | No |
| Melting | Solid → Liquid | No |
| Evaporation | Liquid → Gas | No |
Why is sublimation important?
- Sublimation is used in freeze-drying food to preserve it.
- It’s important in natural cycles, like how snow can vanish without melting.
- It helps in cleaning materials in industries, like sublimating iodine crystals.
If you want an example sentence describing sublimation, it might be:
“The solid dry ice turned directly into gas without becoming liquid.”