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
- Condensation releases latent heat, which affects the thermal energy of the surrounding environment.
- The process is crucial in the water cycle, leading to cloud formation and precipitation.
- Condensation on surfaces can lead to issues such as corrosion and mold growth in engineering contexts.
- The rate of condensation depends on factors like temperature difference, surface area, and humidity.
- 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?
"Condensation" appears in:
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.
