There are three common states of matter or substances: solid, liquid and gas. In general, when solids are heated, they convert to the liquid phase (melting) and when liquids are heated, they convert to the gaseous phase (boiling). However, there are some solids that directly convert to the gaseous phase when heated. This process is known as sublimation.
Some examples of solid substances that undergo sublimation include, camphor, dry ice, iodine crystals, and naphthalene balls, among others. These solids will not convert to the liquid phase when heated, instead they will directly convert to the gaseous phase. In comparison, when we heat solid iron or aluminum, these substances convert to the liquid phase. Similarly, when we heat water, it converts to the gas phase (steam). The substances that undergo sublimation are able to bypass the stage of solid to liquid conversion and they directly convert to the gas phase.
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