What is Condensation? Definition, Meaning & Example
The process by which water vapor changes into liquid water when cooled.
TL;DR: The process by which water vapor changes into liquid water when cooled.
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Condensation: The process by which water vapor changes into liquid water when cooled.
Explanation
Condensation is the opposite of evaporation and occurs when water vapor loses energy and cools below its dew point. The dew point is the temperature at which water vapor becomes liquid. Common examples include water droplets forming on cold windows, morning dew on grass, and clouds forming in the sky. When you exhale warm breath on a cold mirror, the water vapor condenses into liquid water droplets. Condensation is a crucial part of the water cycle, returning water from the atmosphere to Earth. Understanding condensation helps explain weather phenomena and the continuous cycling of water.
Example
On a cold morning, water vapor in the air condenses into liquid water droplets on grass and spider webs, forming what we see as dew.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dew to form?
During the night, air temperature drops below the dew point, causing water vapor in the air to condense into liquid water droplets on surfaces.
How are evaporation and condensation related?
They are opposite processes that are both part of the water cycle. Evaporation removes water from surfaces, and condensation returns it from the atmosphere.
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