🔋college physics i – introduction review

Heat of sublimation

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Heat of sublimation is the amount of energy required to change a substance from a solid phase directly to a gas phase without passing through the liquid phase. It is usually measured in joules per gram (J/g) or kilojoules per mole (kJ/mol).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Heat of sublimation combines both the heat of fusion and the heat of vaporization.
  2. It is an endothermic process, meaning it requires energy input from the surroundings.
  3. Sublimation occurs under specific temperature and pressure conditions, typically low pressure and high temperature.
  4. The heat of sublimation can be calculated using Hess's Law by summing the enthalpies of fusion and vaporization.
  5. Typical substances that undergo sublimation include dry ice (solid CO2) and iodine.

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