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Which type of condensation occurs when water vapor changes directly to ice?

  1. Evaporation

  2. Sublimation

  3. Precipitation

  4. Transpiration

The correct answer is: Sublimation

Sublimation is the process where substances transition directly from a solid to a gas or from a gas to a solid without going through the liquid phase. In the context of the question, when water vapor changes directly to ice, it is an example of deposition, which is effectively a type of sublimation where the gas (water vapor) directly converts into a solid (ice). This process occurs typically in conditions where humidity is high, and temperatures are low, allowing ice crystals to form without liquid water being present. This phenomenon is commonly observed in natural settings, such as frost formation on cold surfaces. The other terms mentioned involve different processes: evaporation refers to the transition from liquid to gas, precipitation is the falling of water in various forms (like rain or snow) from clouds, and transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the air. Understanding these definitions helps clarify why sublimation is the most accurate answer in this scenario.