Kondenseeritakse

Kondenseeritakse is the Estonian term used to describe the condensation process: the transition of a substance from a gaseous state to a liquid. This typically occurs when the temperature of a vapor decreases or the surrounding pressure increases, bringing its vapor pressure to or below the saturation vapor pressure. Condensation is a fundamental phase change in thermodynamics and physical chemistry.

During condensation, vapor molecules lose kinetic energy and bind to each other or to surfaces, forming droplets. The process often requires nucleation sites, such as dust particles or cold surfaces; without suitable nuclei condensation can be delayed in a state known as supersaturation. Latent heat of condensation is released to the surroundings, affecting the local temperature.

In nature, condensation leads to the formation of clouds, fog, dew, and the fogging of cold surfaces. In engineering and industry, it occurs in condensers of refrigeration and power plants, during distillation, and in air-conditioning systems. Managing condensation is important to prevent moisture damage, corrosion, and icing, and to improve energy efficiency in equipment and buildings.

Key related terms include dew point, saturation vapor pressure, humidity, and condensation nuclei. The concept is central to meteorology, HVAC engineering, and various industrial processes, and it is often analyzed using phase diagrams and thermodynamic relationships that describe when and how vapors transition to liquids.