Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Heat of condensation refers to the heat energy that must be removed from a given quantity of vapor at its condensation point to condense it into liquid, with no change in temperature.
The amount of heat absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change - this would be equivalent to how much water comes out when we squeeze our imaginary towel!
The opposite process where liquid turns into gas - imagine releasing your grip and letting water soak back into the towel again!
Condensation Point: The specific temperature at which condensation occurs - this would be like the specific amount of pressure needed to start squeezing water out of the towel.