No, a liquid cannot directly sublimate.
Understanding Sublimation
Sublimation is a phase transition where a substance changes directly from a solid to a gas, skipping the liquid phase. This occurs when the solid's vapor pressure exceeds the surrounding pressure, allowing molecules to escape into the gas phase.
Why Liquids Don't Sublimate
Liquids have weaker intermolecular forces compared to solids, making it easier for molecules to escape into the gas phase through evaporation. This process occurs at a much lower temperature than sublimation.
Examples
- Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide): Dry ice sublimates at room temperature, transitioning directly from a solid to a gas.
- Mothballs: Mothballs are made of solid naphthalene, which sublimates slowly, releasing vapors that repel moths.
- Freeze-drying: Freeze-drying involves freezing a substance and then sublimating the ice, leaving behind a dehydrated product.
In summary, liquids cannot sublimate because they already have a lower energy state than solids, facilitating evaporation instead of sublimation.
