Sublimation vs. Deposition: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 28, 2024
Sublimation is the transition of a substance directly from solid to gas, while deposition is the direct change from gas to solid without passing through a liquid phase.
Key Differences
Sublimation is a physical process where a solid changes directly into a gas without passing through a liquid state. Deposition, conversely, is the process where a gas transforms directly into a solid without becoming a liquid first. This fundamental difference lies in the direction of the phase change.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
In sublimation, energy is absorbed by the solid to overcome intermolecular forces, allowing the transition to a gas. In deposition, a gas loses energy, leading to the formation of solid structures as atoms or molecules slow down and bond together.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
An example of sublimation is dry ice (solid CO2) turning into carbon dioxide gas. For deposition, frost formation on cold surfaces from water vapor is a common example, where the gas turns directly into solid ice crystals.
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Feb 28, 2024
Sublimation occurs under specific conditions of pressure and temperature, often at low pressures or high temperatures. Deposition usually happens at lower temperatures and under conditions where gas molecules can directly settle as a solid.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
The rate of sublimation can be affected by surface area and temperature, while the rate of deposition is influenced by factors like the concentration of the gas and temperature. Both processes are integral in various natural and industrial applications.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Environmental Conditions
Low pressure/high temperature
Lower temperature, suitable pressure
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Feb 28, 2024
Rate Influencing Factors
Surface area, temperature
Gas concentration, temperature
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
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Sublimation and Deposition Definitions
Sublimation
It's common in materials like dry ice and iodine.
Iodine crystals demonstrate sublimation by turning directly into vapor.
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Jan 17, 2024
Deposition
Deposition is the phase change from gas to solid.
Frost is formed by deposition of water vapor on cold surfaces.
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Jan 17, 2024
Sublimation
It occurs without passing through the intermediate liquid phase.
Snowflakes can sublimate in dry, cold conditions.
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Jan 17, 2024
Deposition
Deposition releases energy.
During deposition, gas molecules release heat as they turn solid.
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Jan 17, 2024
Sublimation
Sublimation is the direct transition of a solid to a gas.
Dry ice undergoes sublimation to become carbon dioxide gas.
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Jan 17, 2024
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Deposition
It's observed in frost formation and snowflakes.
Snowflakes form by deposition in the upper atmosphere.
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Jan 17, 2024
Sublimation
Sublimation is used in freeze-drying processes.
Coffee is freeze-dried through sublimation to preserve flavor.
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Jan 17, 2024
Deposition
It bypasses the liquid state entirely.
Deposition causes gaseous water molecules to form ice crystals.
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Jan 17, 2024
Sublimation
To be transformed directly from the solid to the gaseous state or from the gaseous to the solid state without becoming a liquid.
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Jan 17, 2024
Deposition
Deposition is used in manufacturing, like vapor deposition.
Thin films in electronics are created using vapor deposition techniques.
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Jan 17, 2024
Sublimation
(Psychology) In psychoanalytic theory, to divert or modify (an instinctual impulse or drive) into an activity or interest of higher social value.
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Jan 17, 2024
Deposition
The act of depositing, especially the laying down of matter by a natural process.
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Jan 17, 2024
Sublimation
(chemistry) The transition of a substance from the solid phase directly to the vapor state such that it does not pass through the intermediate liquid phase.
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Jan 17, 2024
Deposition
(Law) Sworn testimony recorded for use in court at a later date.
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Sublimation
(psychology) The transformation of an impulse into something socially constructive.
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Sublimation
The act or process of subliming, or the state or result of being sublimed.
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Jan 17, 2024
Deposition
The act of depositing material, especially by a natural process; the resultant deposit.
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Sublimation
The act of heightening or improving; exaltation; elevation; purification.
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Deposition
(chemistry) The production of a thin film of material onto an existing surface.
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Sublimation
That which is sublimed; the product of a purifying process.
Religion is the perfection, refinement, and sublimation of morality.
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Deposition
(legal) The process of taking sworn testimony out of court; the testimony so taken.
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Sublimation
(chemistry) a change directly from the solid to the gaseous state without becoming liquid
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Jan 17, 2024
Deposition
(meteorology) The formation of snow or frost directly from water vapor.
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Jan 17, 2024
Sublimation
(psychology) modifying the natural expression of an impulse or instinct (especially a sexual one) to one that is socially acceptable
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Jan 17, 2024
Deposition
(physics) The transformation of a gas into a solid without an intermediate liquid phase (reverse of sublimation)
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Jan 17, 2024
Sublimation
Sublimation requires energy absorption.
In sublimation, solids absorb heat to transform into gas.
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Deposition
(religion) The formal placement of relics in a church or shrine, and the feast day commemorating it.
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Deposition
The act of depositing or deposing; the act of laying down or thrown down; precipitation.
The deposition of rough sand and rolled pebbles.
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Deposition
The act of bringing before the mind; presentation.
The influence of princes upon the dispositions of their courts needs not the deposition of their examples, since it hath the authority of a known principle.
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Deposition
The act of setting aside a sovereign or a public officer; deprivation of authority and dignity; displacement; removal.
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Deposition
That which is deposited; matter laid or thrown down; sediment; alluvial matter; as, banks are sometimes depositions of alluvial matter.
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Jan 17, 2024
Deposition
An opinion, example, or statement, laid down or asserted; a declaration.
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Deposition
The act of laying down one's testimony in writing; also, testimony laid or taken down in writing, under oath or affirmation, before some competent officer, and in reply to interrogatories and cross-interrogatories.
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Deposition
(law) a pretrial interrogation of a witness; usually done in a lawyer's office
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Deposition
The act of deposing someone; removing a powerful person from a position or office
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How does temperature affect deposition?
Lower temperatures favor deposition.
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Feb 28, 2024
Is sublimation a fast or slow process?
Depends on conditions, can be either.
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Feb 28, 2024
Is sublimation common in everyday life?
Yes, like in dry ice and freeze-drying.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Does sublimation occur at room temperature?
For some substances, like dry ice.
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Feb 28, 2024
Can deposition occur in high temperatures?
Generally, it requires cool conditions.
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Feb 28, 2024
Can sublimation happen under normal atmospheric pressure?
Rarely, usually requires low pressure.
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Feb 28, 2024
How is sublimation used in food processing?
In freeze-drying to preserve food.
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Feb 28, 2024
Are there any health hazards with sublimation?
With certain chemicals, yes.
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Feb 28, 2024
What's a common example of deposition in technology?
Thin film deposition in electronics.
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Feb 28, 2024
Can sublimation be observed with metals?
Rarely, as most metals melt first.
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Feb 28, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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