Which phase change does not involve passing through the liquid state?

• A. Sublimation
• B. Condensation
• C. Evaporation
• D. Vaporization

Answer: (A)

Sublimation is the process where a substance transitions directly from a solid state to a gas state without passing through the intermediate liquid phase. This phenomenon occurs under specific conditions, typically at low pressure and temperature, allowing certain solids, like dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), to vaporize directly into a gas. In contrast, condensation involves the transformation from a gas to a liquid, evaporation is the transition from liquid to gas, and vaporization generally refers to transitioning from liquid to gas as well, either through boiling or evaporation. Thus, sublimation distinctly differentiates itself as the only phase change that entirely skips the liquid phase.