Editing Sublimation (phase transition) (section)

== Confusions ==
While the definition of sublimation is simple, there is often confusion as to what counts as a sublimation.

=== False correspondence with vaporization ===
[[Vaporization]] (from liquid to gas) is divided into two types: vaporization on the surface of the liquid is called [[evaporation]], and vaporization at the boiling point with formation of bubbles in the interior of the liquid is called [[boiling]]. However there is ''no'' such distinction for the solid-to-gas transition, which is always called sublimation in both corresponding cases.

==== Potential distinction ====
For clarification, a distinction between the two corresponding cases is needed. With reference to a [[phase diagram]], the sublimation that occurs left of the solid-gas boundary, the triple point or the solid-liquid boundary (corresponding to evaporation in vaporization) may be called ''gradual sublimation''; and the substance ''sublimes gradually'', regardless of rate. The sublimation that occurs at the solid-gas boundary (critical sublimation point) (corresponding to boiling in vaporization) may be called ''rapid sublimation'', and the substance ''sublimes rapidly''. The words "gradual" and "rapid" have acquired special meanings in this context and no longer describe the rate of sublimation.{{cn|date=April 2024}}<!-- This distinction is used only on this page and nowhere else, to minimize confusion. If there is a better distinction, change it along with the examples. If this violates the policy of Wikipedia, please delete this paragraph, and if possible, also provide a better solution. -->

=== Misuse for chemical reaction ===
The term ''sublimation'' refers specifically to a [[physical change]] of [[state of matter|state]] and is not used to describe the transformation of a solid to a gas in a chemical reaction. For example, the dissociation on heating of solid [[ammonium chloride]] into hydrogen chloride and ammonia is ''not'' sublimation but a chemical reaction. Similarly the combustion of candles, containing [[paraffin wax]], to [[carbon dioxide]] and [[water vapor]] is ''not'' sublimation but a chemical reaction with oxygen.

=== Historical definition ===
Sublimation is historically used as a generic term to describe a two-step phase transition ― a solid-to-gas transition (sublimation in a more precise definition) followed by a gas-to-solid transition ([[deposition (phase transition)|deposition]]).<ref>{{Dictionary.com|Sublime}}</ref><ref>[https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/sublime "Sublime"]. [[Collins English Dictionary#CollinsDictionary.com|CollinsDictionary.com Dictionary]].</ref> (See [[#Historical usage|below]])