Tiivistymisvaiheet

Tiivistymisvaiheet refers to the stages of condensation, a physical process where a substance in its gaseous state transitions into a liquid state. This occurs when the temperature of the gas drops below its dew point, or when the pressure of the gas increases sufficiently. The key factor driving condensation is the decrease in the kinetic energy of the gas molecules, causing them to slow down and come closer together.

The initial stage involves the cooling or compression of the gas. As the gas loses energy or is confined, the molecules move less vigorously. If the conditions reach the saturation point, where the air can no longer hold the water vapor at that temperature and pressure, the first signs of condensation may appear as tiny droplets or ice crystals.

The next phase involves nucleation, where these initial droplets or crystals act as centers for further condensation. Impurities in the air, such as dust or salt particles, often serve as nucleation sites, facilitating the formation of larger liquid droplets or solid ice.

Finally, growth occurs as more gas molecules deposit onto these existing nuclei. The size of the condensed substance increases as the process continues. In meteorology, this is how clouds form from water vapor in the atmosphere. In industrial processes, condensation is a crucial step in separating and purifying substances or in recovering valuable materials. The rate and extent of condensation depend on factors like temperature, pressure, and the presence of nucleation sites.