Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
or with email
Your Cart
SubtotalтВ╣0
TotalтВ╣0
Examoogle тАв User тАв info@examoogle.com тАв EE-2024-8821
Chapter 1 of 12 тАв Page 1 of 248ЁЯФТ Protected PDF тАв Watermarked
Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
What is it called when water vapor cools and forms water droplets in the air?
Precipitation
Transpiration
Evaporation
Condensation
Condensation
Condensation is the phase transition of water vapor into liquid water droplets when the air temperature falls below its dew point. This process releases latent heat into the atmosphere and is a fundamental component of the hydrological cycle.
Condensation is the phase transition of water vapor into liquid water droplets when the air temperature falls below its dew point. This process releases latent heat into the atmosphere and is a fundamental component of the hydrological cycle.
QlatentтАЛ=mтЛЕLvтАЛ тАФ The heat energy released during condensation, where m is mass and LvтАЛ is latent heat of vaporization.
RH=psatтАЛpтАЛ├Ч100 тАФ Relative humidity formula; condensation occurs when RH=100%.
The principle relies on the relationship between air temperature and its capacity to hold water vapor. As air cools, its relative humidity increases; once it reaches 100% (saturation), the air can no longer retain the vapor in gaseous form. Cooling usually occurs through adiabatic cooling (expansion at higher altitudes) or contact with cooler surfaces, causing water molecules to aggregate around cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) to form droplets.
Condensation is an exothermic process, meaning it releases energy into the environment.
Cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) such as dust, salt, or smoke particles are required for water vapor to condense in the atmosphere.
The dew point is the temperature at which condensation begins.
It is the exact inverse process of evaporation.
Essential for cloud formation and subsequent precipitation.
Acts as a major driver for atmospheric circulation through latent heat release.
Can lead to hazardous conditions like fog, reducing visibility for transport.
Excessive condensation leads to structural dampness and moisture damage in civil engineering works.
Meteorological weather forecasting.
Design of cooling towers and HVAC systems.
Atmospheric water generation technology.
Condensation requires the removal of latent heat (2260┬аkJ/kg for water at 100┬░C).
Option A (Precipitation) is the result of condensation. Option B (Transpiration) is the release of water from plants. Option C (Evaporation) is the phase change from liquid to gas.
D is correct тАФ Condensation is the process where water vapor loses thermal energy and changes state into liquid water droplets.
In hydrology problems, remember that condensation is the primary mechanism for cloud formation, which is the precursor to any precipitation calculation (like the water balance equation).