Which statement best describes the difference between sublimation and deposition in a phase diagram?

• A. Sublimation and deposition both refer to the transition between liquid and gas phases.
• B. Sublimation is the transition from solid to gas, while deposition is the transition from gas to solid.
• C. Sublimation is the transition from liquid to gas, while deposition is the transition from gas to liquid.
• D. Sublimation is the transition from solid to liquid, while deposition is the transition from liquid to solid.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the phases of matter involved in phase transitions: solid, liquid, and gas.
2. Step 2: Recall that sublimation is a phase change where a substance transitions directly from the solid phase to the gas phase without passing through the liquid phase.
3. Step 3: Recognize that deposition is the reverse process of sublimation, where a substance transitions directly from the gas phase to the solid phase without becoming liquid first.
4. Step 4: Note that both sublimation and deposition involve direct transitions between solid and gas phases, not involving the liquid phase.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct description is: Sublimation is the transition from solid to gas, while deposition is the transition from gas to solid.