Deposition is an exothermic process. 1 It involves the transition of a gas directly into a solid without passing through the liquid phase. 2 During deposition, the gas molecules lose energy and release heat to the surroundings, resulting in an increase in the temperature of the surrounding environment.
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Key Takeaways: Is Deposition Endothermic or Exothermic?
- Deposition is an exothermic process that involves the direct transition of a gas into a solid state without going through the liquid phase.
- During deposition, gas molecules lose energy, slow down, and come closer together to form a solid structure.
- The energy released during deposition is given off as heat to the surroundings, making it an exothermic process.
Why is deposition an exothermic process?
Deposition is the phase transition process in which a gas directly transforms into a solid, bypassing the liquid phase. 3 It is commonly known as “deposition” or “deposition of gas.” The term “exothermic” refers to a process that releases energy in the form of heat.
Deposition is considered an exothermic process because it involves the release of heat energy. When a gas transforms into a solid during deposition, the gas molecules lose energy and come together to form a solid structure. This process releases energy in the form of heat to the surroundings.
During deposition, the gas molecules undergo a decrease in kinetic energy. As they lose energy, they slow down and come closer together. Eventually, the attractive forces between the gas molecules become strong enough to hold them in a solid arrangement, forming a crystalline structure.
The energy released during deposition is a result of the gas molecules transitioning from a higher energy state (gas phase) to a lower energy state (solid phase). This energy is given off as heat and warms up the surrounding environment, making deposition an exothermic process.
It’s worth noting that not all phase transitions involving heat release are exothermic. For example, the process of condensation, where a gas transforms into a liquid, is also exothermic because heat is released. However, processes such as melting (solid to liquid) and vaporization (liquid to gas) are endothermic, requiring an input of heat energy to occur.
Why is deposition not an endothermic process?
Deposition is not an endothermic process because it does not require an input of heat energy from the surroundings to occur. Instead, it is exothermic, meaning it releases heat energy to the surroundings. When a gas undergoes deposition, the gas molecules lose energy and come together to form a solid, resulting in the release of heat.
During deposition, gas molecules lose energy and transition directly into a solid state. This energy loss occurs due to the decrease in kinetic energy of the gas molecules, causing them to slow down and come closer together.
As the gas molecules come into proximity, intermolecular forces such as van der Waals forces or hydrogen bonding become significant, leading to the formation of a solid structure. The energy released during this process is given off as heat, warming the surrounding environment.
Unlike endothermic processes that require an input of heat energy, deposition occurs spontaneously without the need for an external heat source.
The energy released during deposition is a result of the gas molecules transitioning to a more stable and lower-energy state in the solid phase. Thus, deposition is classified as an exothermic process rather than an endothermic one.
Further reading
Is Boiling Endothermic or Exothermic?
Is Photosynthesis Endothermic or Exothermic?
Is Combustion Endothermic or Exothermic?
Is Melting Ice Endothermic or Exothermic?
Is Sublimation Endothermic or Exothermic?
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References
- 11.4: Phase Changes. (2014, November 18). Chemistry LibreTexts. https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/General_Chemistry/Map%3A_Chemistry_-_The_Central_Science_(Brown_et_al.)/11%3A_Liquids_and_Intermolecular_Forces/11.04%3A_Phase_Changes
- Deposition (phase transition) – Wikipedia. (2020, January 1). Deposition (Phase Transition) – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deposition_(phase_transition)
- Sublimation and deposition – Energy Education. (n.d.). Sublimation and Deposition – Energy Education. https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Sublimation_and_deposition
