Condensation

Definition

Condensation is the phase change from a gas to a liquid. It occurs when a gas is cooled to its dew point or comes into contact with a cooler surface.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Condensation releases latent heat, which affects the thermal energy of the surrounding environment.
2. The process is crucial in the water cycle, leading to cloud formation and precipitation.
3. Condensation on surfaces can lead to issues such as corrosion and mold growth in engineering contexts.
4. The rate of condensation depends on factors like temperature difference, surface area, and humidity.
5. In thermodynamics, condensation is an exothermic process because it releases energy.

Review Questions

• What happens to thermal energy during the condensation process?
• How does condensation contribute to weather phenomena?
• Why is condensation considered an exothermic process?

Related terms

Evaporation: The phase change from liquid to gas that occurs at temperatures below boiling point.

Latent Heat:

The amount of heat required for a substance to undergo a phase change without changing its temperature.

Dew Point: The temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture and water vapor begins to condense.