Why the answer is D, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning**
When a substance changes **directly from gas to solid** without passing through the liquid state, this process is called **deposition**. Think of frost forming on a cold morning — water vapor in the air goes straight to ice crystals on surfaces, skipping the liquid water stage entirely. The principle here is understanding phase transitions: deposition is the reverse of sublimation (solid → gas).
**Why the wrong options tempt you**
- **Evaporation (A)** is liquid → gas, like water drying from clothes
- **Condensation (B)** is gas → liquid, like water droplets forming on a cold bottle of Coke from the fridge
- **Sublimation (C)** is the *opposite* direction: solid → gas directly (like camphor or dry ice disappearing without melting). This is the biggest trap because sublimation involves gas and solid, but in the wrong direction!
**Quick takeaway**
**Deposition = gas deposits as solid** (think frost on grass); sublimation goes the other way. Remember: "DEPosition = DEscending from gas DOWN to solid."
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