JAMB UTMEChemistry

The process of a solid turning directly to gas is:

AMelting
BEvaporation
CSublimationCORRECT
DCondensation
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is C, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning** When a substance changes state, it can take different paths. **Sublimation** is the special process where a solid skips the liquid phase entirely and transforms directly into gas. Think of mothballs (camphor) in your wardrobe — they shrink over time without leaving any liquid residue. Or dry ice (solid CO₂) that creates that dramatic fog effect without melting into a puddle first. The key principle here: **phase transitions can bypass intermediate states under certain conditions.** **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **Melting (A)** — This is solid → liquid, not solid → gas. You're stopping one step too early. - **Evaporation (B)** — This is liquid → gas (like water drying from clothes). You need a liquid first! - **Condensation (D)** — This goes backwards: gas → liquid (like steam forming water droplets on a cold mirror). **Quick takeaway** **Sublimation = Solid jumping straight to gas, no liquid middle-man** — just remember mothballs disappearing or dry ice "smoking" without wetness.
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