Condensation
Definition
Condensation is the process where a gas turns into a liquid due to a decrease in temperature or pressure.
Analogy
Imagine you're at a concert and everyone is dancing (gas state). When the music slows down (decrease in temperature), people start to slow down and eventually sit down (liquid state). That's what happens when gases condense - their particles lose energy and start to stick together, just like concert-goers sitting down when the music slows!
Related terms
Vaporization: The phase transition from liquid to gas.
Dew Point: The temperature at which air becomes saturated with water vapor, leading to condensation.
Relative Humidity: The amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture that air could hold at that same temperature.
"Condensation" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (1)
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.