What is the term for the process in which a solid substance transitions directly into a gaseous state?

The process of a solid substance transitioning directly into a gaseous state is known as sublimation. This occurs without the substance first becoming liquid, allowing solid substances such as dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) or certain types of ice to change directly into vapor when they are heated or when atmospheric pressure changes. This phenomenon is distinct from other terms related to phase changes, such as evaporation, which refers to the transformation of a liquid into gas; condensation, the process of gas turning into liquid; and melting, where a solid turns into a liquid. Understanding sublimation is essential in various fields, including chemistry and physics, as it plays a role in understanding material properties and behavior under different conditions.