Condensation — Science definition
Defined in 4 courses:
- Vapour returning to liquid as air cools, forming cloud; a change of state rather than a chemical reaction. (Life Science & Scientific Inquiry)
- The phase change from gas to liquid. (Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy)
- Gas changing to liquid. (Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy)
- The change of water vapor into tiny liquid droplets as rising air cools, forming clouds. (Earth & Space Science)
Where it is taught
- Carbon, Water & Cycling Matter — Ecosystems, Matter & Energy, Life Science & Scientific Inquiry, Grade 7
- States of Matter & Phase Changes — Phases of Matter, Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy, Grade 8
- Evaporation, Condensation & a Wet Cold Cup — Phases of Matter, Physical Science: Matter, Forces & Energy, Grade 8
- The Water Cycle — Atmosphere & Weather, Earth & Space Science, Grade 9
In use
Evaporation lifts it from surfaces to the air; transpiration does the same through the pores of plant leaves, and in a forest that is a large fraction of the total; condensation turns vapour back to liquid as air cools, forming cloud; precipitation returns it; and runoff carries it across the surface to rivers and the sea, while some soaks into the ground.
Carbon, Water & Cycling Matter
Removing energy runs these in reverse — freezing turns a liquid back into a solid, and condensation turns a gas back into a liquid, which is the fog you see forming on a cold bathroom mirror.
States of Matter & Phase Changes
Evaporation means liquid water changes to gas at its surface; condensation means gaseous water changes to liquid.
Evaporation, Condensation & a Wet Cold Cup
Questions using condensation
Problem 1
Hints
Distinguish the observed quantities, the proposed mechanism and its conditions.
Answer and explanation
The 9 °C surface is below the dew point and more likely to collect droplets; the 18 °C surface is above it. Existing water vapor from air can supply the condensate. The prediction uses the stated air conditions.
The 9 °C surface is below the dew point and more likely to collect droplets; the 18 °C surface is above it. Existing water vapor from air can supply the condensate. The prediction uses the stated air conditions.
Taught alongside
- reservoir
- transpiration
- runoff
- storage change
- solid
- liquid
- gas
- melting point
- boiling point
- thermal energy
- model
- evidence
- system boundary
- assumption