Which term describes the change of state from vapor to solid?

Which term describes the change of state from vapor to solid?

• A. Deposition
• B. Condensation
• C. Freezing
• D. Sublimation

Answer: (A)

Deposition is the change of state from a vapor directly into a solid, often called desublimation. It happens when gas molecules lose enough energy that they go straight into an ordered solid arrangement without becoming a liquid first. A common example is frost forming on a cold surface, where water vapor in the air becomes ice directly. This is different from condensation (gas to liquid), freezing (liquid to solid), or sublimation (solid to gas). So for vapor turning directly into a solid, deposition is the correct term.

Deposition is the change of state from a vapor directly into a solid, often called desublimation. It happens when gas molecules lose enough energy that they go straight into an ordered solid arrangement without becoming a liquid first. A common example is frost forming on a cold surface, where water vapor in the air becomes ice directly. This is different from condensation (gas to liquid), freezing (liquid to solid), or sublimation (solid to gas). So for vapor turning directly into a solid, deposition is the correct term.