Sublimation

Sublimation of iodine

The transition of solid iodine to vapor directly, producing purple fumes. This requires heat to overcome intermolecular forces and can produce liquid droplets upon cooling.

Sublimation

The transition of a solid directly into a gas without becoming a liquid. This process requires energy to overcome intermolecular forces.

Experimental yield

The amount of product obtained from an experiment, expressed as a percentage of the theoretical yield.

Potassium iodide

A chemical compound added to enhance the sublimation process by providing a surface for iodine vapour to condense.

Intermolecular forces

Forces that hold solid molecules in place and must be overcome for sublimation to occur.

Theoretical yield

The calculated maximum amount of product that can be produced in an experiment based on the initial amounts of reactants.

Impurities

Unwanted substances mixed with the main substance, which can affect the yield of sublimation.

Condensation

The process by which gas turns back into a solid or liquid, often seen in sublimation experiments.

Energy input

Required energy (usually in the form of heat) that must be supplied for the sublimation process to occur.

Low pressure conditions

Environmental conditions that facilitate sublimation by reducing the pressure around the solid.