Evaporation vs Sublimation — Difference (with Table & FAQs)
Evaporation converts liquid to gas while sublimation converts solid directly to gas. Both are phase changes studied in CBSE chemistry.
TL;DR: Evaporation converts liquid to gas while sublimation converts solid directly to gas. Both are phase changes studied in CBSE chemistry.
Written & reviewed by the Syllab.in Academic Team (CBSE/NCERT subject experts) · Updated
The main difference between Evaporation and Sublimation: Evaporation converts liquid to gas while sublimation converts solid directly to gas. Both are phase changes studied in CBSE chemistry.
Evaporation vs Sublimation — Comparison Table
| Basis | Evaporation | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|
| Initial state | Liquid | Solid |
| Final state | Gas | Gas |
| Intermediate state | No intermediate | No intermediate |
| Temperature | Below boiling point | Below melting point |
| Examples | Water drying from clothes | Dry ice, naphthalene |
Key Points
- Evaporation occurs at surfaces of liquids
- Sublimation requires very low pressure
- Both are endothermic processes
- Sublimation is used in freeze-drying
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sublimation different from evaporation?
Yes. In evaporation a liquid turns into vapour (liquid → gas) at its surface, below the boiling point. In sublimation a solid turns directly into vapour (solid → gas) without first becoming a liquid.
Give examples of evaporation and sublimation.
Evaporation: wet clothes drying, water drying up from a puddle. Sublimation: camphor, naphthalene balls and dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) turning directly into vapour.
Does sublimation skip the liquid state?
Yes — that is the key point. Sublimation goes straight from solid to gas without passing through the liquid state, while evaporation starts from a liquid.