The process of converting a solid directly to a gas without passing through the liquid state is called sublimation. This occurs when a solid's particles gain enough energy to overcome intermolecular forces and transition directly into the gaseous phase. Common examples of sublimation include dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), which turns directly into carbon dioxide gas at room temperature, and snow, which can sublimate in dry, cold air without melting into water. Sublimation is a significant process in various scientific fields, including chemistry, physics, and meteorology.