When a solid sublimes, its particles directly transition from a solid state to a gaseous state without passing through the liquid phase. Here's a breakdown of what happens:

* Energy absorption: The particles in the solid absorb enough energy, typically in the form of heat, to overcome the strong intermolecular forces holding them together in the fixed, ordered structure of the solid.

* Breaking bonds: As the particles gain energy, they vibrate more rapidly, and eventually, the vibrations become so strong that the bonds between them break.

* Escape into gas: With the bonds broken, the particles escape from the surface of the solid and enter the gaseous phase, moving freely and randomly.

Essentially, the solid particles directly transform from a tightly bound, ordered state to a free-moving, disordered state, skipping the intermediate liquid phase.

Examples of sublimation:

* Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) sublimes at room temperature and pressure.

* Mothballs (naphthalene) gradually sublimate over time, releasing a vapor that repels moths.

* Frozen water (ice) sublimes slowly in a cold, dry environment.

Let me know if you'd like to know more about the factors that influence sublimation or any other aspects of phase transitions!