So could we get atomization for sodium in the steps

When discussing the energy changes involved in forming sodium ions from solid sodium metal, we often consider a series of steps. These steps are typically: 1. Sublimation of solid sodium to gaseous sodium atoms. 2. Ionization of gaseous sodium atoms to gaseous sodium ions.

Therefore, the first step in this sequence is indeed sublimation, where solid sodium (Na(s)) is converted into gaseous sodium atoms (Na(g)). The energy change for this process is the enthalpy of sublimation.

While the result of sublimation is gaseous atoms, the term atomization itself is more broadly used for breaking down molecules or referring to the energy required to produce gaseous atoms from a substance in its standard state. For sodium, the standard state is solid, so sublimation is the specific term for the solid-to-gas phase change.