Condenzáció

Condenzáció is a scientific term referring to the process where a substance in a gaseous state changes into a liquid state due to a decrease in temperature and/or pressure. This phase transition occurs when the kinetic energy of the gas molecules is reduced to a point where the intermolecular forces become strong enough to hold them together in a liquid form.

A common example of condensation is the formation of dew on grass during a cool morning. As the air cools overnight, the water vapor present in the air reaches its dew point, the temperature at which it can no longer remain as a gas. The water vapor then condenses into tiny liquid water droplets on surfaces like grass blades.

Another familiar instance is the formation of water droplets on the outside of a cold glass of iced beverage. The air surrounding the glass contains water vapor. When this warm, moist air comes into contact with the cold surface of the glass, its temperature drops rapidly. If the temperature falls below the dew point of the air, the water vapor condenses into visible liquid water droplets on the glass.

Condensation plays a crucial role in the Earth's water cycle, where it is responsible for the formation of clouds. As water evaporates from oceans, lakes, and rivers, it rises into the atmosphere as water vapor. At higher altitudes, where temperatures are lower, this water vapor condenses around tiny particles of dust or salt to form cloud droplets or ice crystals, which eventually lead to precipitation. The process is also vital in industrial applications, such as in refrigeration systems and power plants where it is used to convert steam back into water.