Which term describes the process that occurs when a substance changes from one phase to another, such as from solid to liquid or liquid to gas?

• A. Evaporation
• B. Sublimation
• C. Condensation
• D. Phase transition

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question asks for the general term describing the process when a substance changes from one phase (solid, liquid, gas) to another.
2. Recall that specific terms like evaporation, sublimation, and condensation describe particular types of phase changes: evaporation is liquid to gas, sublimation is solid to gas, and condensation is gas to liquid.
3. Recognize that the broader term encompassing all these specific changes is 'phase transition' or 'phase change,' which refers to any transformation between solid, liquid, and gas states.
4. Confirm that 'phase transition' is the correct general term because it includes all processes where a substance changes its physical state.
5. Summarize that the process of changing from one phase to another, regardless of the specific phases involved, is called a phase transition.