Deposition (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what deposition is in physics, how it occurs and various examples. Additionally, deposition in the legal, labor and more fields.

physical deposition — Deposition occurs when a gas passes into the solid state without passing through the liquid.

What is deposition?

Deposition, desublimation or inverse sublimation is called a thermodynamic process of phase change of matter in which a gas transforms directly into a solid. Sometimes deposition can occur with fluids other than gases. Since it is a physical change, the deposition process does not alter the chemical composition of the substance that undergoes it.

The deposition It is the reverse process of sublimation in which a solid passes directly into the gaseous state (without passing through a liquid phase). It is also an exothermic process, that is, when it occurs it releases energy to the environment.

Deposition is a relatively common process both in nature and in laboratories and in industrial processes such as physical vapor deposition (PVD). This term also designates the reappearance of a solid that has previously been spread or diluted in a fluid as happens with everyday (solid) dust that floats in the air (fluid) and that, given enough time, falls until it settles on the ground.

Examples of deposition

deposition eruption volcano physics — The deposition of volcanic ash occurs after a period of suspension in the air.

Examples of deposition or reverse sublimation are the following:

Freezing of air at the poles and the tops of the mountains, going directly from their gaseous state to ice or frost.
synthetic diamonds They are created through processes of deposition of gaseous carbon atoms, a complex process that takes place in industrial laboratories.
Physical vapor deposition of different materials which are first heated until evaporation or pulverized through ion bombardment, to then promote their return to the solid state on a surface that is desired to be covered with a thin layer of said materials.
When we dilute a solid (such as sugar) in a fluid (such as water) and then let the latter stand for a sufficient time, the return of part of the solid to its initial state at the bottom of the container. This is also known as a deposition.
Light volcanic ash that is thrown into the atmosphere Due to an eruption, they can remain floating for a while until they slowly settle on the earth's surface.

Other uses of the term deposition

Apart from its meaning in physics, the term deposition has other specific uses:

A legal deposition. It is a statement or statement made about something, usually on behalf of a third party, addressed to the relevant authorities.
A labor deposition. It refers to the demotion or dismissal from a person's job position.
A fecal bowel movement. It is the technical name given to feces in body sciences, that is, the product of evacuation or defecation.
An ecclesiastical deposition. It is a perpetual and irremissible punishment that the Church exercises totally or partially on its priests and clerics, taking away their investiture, their functions and their privileges.

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