Condensation is simply water changing from a gas (water vapor) into a liquid. Think of it like tiny water droplets getting together and forming puddles!
How Does Condensation Happen?
Water vapor is invisible water in the air. When this warm, gaseous water cools down, it loses energy and its molecules clump together. This clumping forms liquid water, which we can see as dew, fog, or the water droplets on a cold glass.
Examples of Condensation:
- A cold glass of juice: On a warm day, you'll often see water droplets forming on the outside of a cold glass. This is because the warm, moist air cools down when it touches the cold glass, causing the water vapor in the air to condense.
- Clouds: High in the sky, water vapor cools and condenses to form clouds. When enough water droplets collect, they become heavy and fall as rain or snow.
- Fog: Fog is a type of cloud that forms close to the ground. It happens when water vapor in the air near the ground cools and condenses.
- Dew on grass: Early in the morning, you might see tiny water droplets on the grass. This dew is formed when the water vapor in the air cools and condenses on the cool surface of the grass.
Condensation vs. Evaporation
Condensation is the opposite of evaporation. Evaporation is when liquid water turns into a gas (water vapor). Imagine a puddle drying up on a sunny day – that's evaporation!
Condensation in the Water Cycle
Condensation plays a vital role in the water cycle. Water evaporates from lakes, rivers, and oceans, then rises into the atmosphere. As it cools, it condenses to form clouds, and eventually falls back to Earth as precipitation (rain, snow, hail, sleet).
