The Truth About Sublimation: The Iodine Myth Debunked

TLDRIodine can both sublime and melt, contrary to a common misconception. Sublimation is when a substance goes directly from a solid to a gas, while melting is the transition from a solid to a liquid. This misconception is often taught in schools and written in textbooks, despite being incorrect. The sublimation rate of iodine can be increased by heating it, and it can be observed melting. The phase diagram of iodine illustrates its sublimation and melting points. The confusion arises from the lack of a distinct term for the evaporation of solids. Introducing a new term, such as 'nilation,' could clarify the distinction between sublimation and evaporation.

Key insights

⚗️Iodine can both sublime and melt, debunking the misconception that it cannot melt.

📚Despite being incorrect, the misconception about iodine not being able to melt is often taught in schools and written in textbooks.

🔥The sublimation rate of iodine can be increased by heating it, allowing the transition from solid to gas to be observed.

🌡️The melting point of iodine is around 114°C, above which it transitions from a solid to a liquid.

💡The lack of a distinct term for the evaporation of solids contributes to the confusion between sublimation and melting.

Q&A

Can iodine melt?

—Yes, iodine can melt. It undergoes the transition from a solid to a liquid at its melting point, which is around 114°C.

Why is the misconception about iodine not melting so widespread?

—The misconception about iodine not being able to melt is often taught in schools and written in textbooks, despite being incorrect.

Can the sublimation rate of iodine be increased?

—Yes, the sublimation rate of iodine can be increased by heating it, allowing the transition from solid to gas to be observed more easily.

What is the melting point of iodine?

—The melting point of iodine is around 114°C, above which it transitions from a solid to a liquid.

Why is there confusion between sublimation and melting?

—The confusion arises from the lack of a distinct term for the evaporation of solids, which leads to the use of 'sublimation' to describe both processes.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Iodine can both sublime and melt, contrary to a common misconception.

02:25The sublimation rate of iodine can be increased by heating it, allowing the transition from solid to gas to be observed.

03:50The melting point of iodine is around 114°C, above which it transitions from a solid to a liquid.

08:06The confusion between sublimation and melting arises from the lack of a distinct term for the evaporation of solids.

11:18Introducing a new term, such as 'nilation,' could clarify the distinction between sublimation and evaporation.

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