What is the term for when a pesticide changes from a solid or liquid state to a gas?

The correct term for when a pesticide transitions from a solid or liquid state to a gas is volatilization. This process involves the transformation of the substance into vapor, which can occur under certain conditions such as heat or decreased pressure. In the context of pesticides, volatilization is particularly important because it can affect how long the pesticide remains active in the environment and how it can inadvertently move away from the application site, potentially impacting non-target areas.

Evaporation, while similar, specifically refers to the transformation of a liquid into vapor, typically involving water. Decomposition refers to the breakdown of a substance into simpler compounds or elements, often due to chemical reactions, rather than a state change. Absorption is the process by which one substance takes in another, such as a pesticide being taken up by a plant or soil, rather than a change in state. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why volatilization is the correct answer in this context.