The diagram shown first represents solid carbon dioxide, also known as dry ice. Which of the other diagrams best represents the carbon dioxide after it has sublimed into a gas?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that sublimation is the process where a solid turns directly into a gas without passing through the liquid phase.
2. Recognize that solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) consists of CO₂ molecules closely packed in a regular pattern.
3. When CO₂ sublimates, the molecules gain energy and move apart, transitioning from a solid to a gaseous state.
4. In the gaseous state, CO₂ molecules are far apart and move freely, unlike in the solid state where they are tightly packed.
5. Identify the diagram that shows CO₂ molecules spread out and moving freely, representing the gaseous state after sublimation.