Identify each of the following changes of state as melting, freezing, sublimation, or deposition:d. Frost (ice) forms on the walls of a freezer unit of arefrigerator.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the initial state of the substance involved in the change. In this case, the water vapor in the air inside the freezer is in the gaseous state.
2. Determine the final state of the substance after the change. Here, the water vapor turns into solid ice, which is the solid state.
3. Recognize the process that describes the change from a gas directly to a solid. This process is known as deposition.
4. Understand that deposition is the reverse of sublimation, where a substance transitions directly from a gas to a solid without passing through the liquid state.
5. Conclude that the formation of frost (ice) on the walls of a freezer is an example of deposition.

Key Concepts

Phase Changes

Phase changes refer to the transitions between different states of matter, such as solid, liquid, and gas. These changes occur due to variations in temperature and pressure, leading to processes like melting, freezing, sublimation, and deposition. Understanding these transitions is crucial for identifying the specific change occurring in a given scenario.

Sublimation

Sublimation is the process where a solid transitions directly into a gas without passing through the liquid phase. This occurs under specific conditions of temperature and pressure, often seen in substances like dry ice. Recognizing sublimation is essential for understanding how frost can form from water vapor in the air.

Deposition

Deposition is the process where a gas transforms directly into a solid without becoming a liquid first. This phenomenon is commonly observed when frost forms on surfaces in cold environments, as water vapor in the air crystallizes into ice. Identifying deposition helps clarify the specific change of state occurring in the freezer unit scenario.