What describes the transition of a substance from a liquid to gas directly?

The transition of a substance from a liquid to a gas directly is known as vaporization, including the process of evaporation. However, sublimation specifically describes the change of a solid directly into a gas without passing through the liquid phase.

Considering this, sublimation pertains to substances like dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), which transforms into gas at certain conditions without becoming liquid first. In contrast, evaporation refers to the process where liquid molecules escape into the gas phase at temperatures below the boiling point, and vaporization encompasses all forms where a liquid becomes a gas.

Therefore, the most accurate description of the process for transitioning from a liquid to a gas is vaporization, as it covers both evaporation and boiling.