Condensation

It’s mid-summer, and the sun is shining brightly. For the past hour, you’ve been assisting your parents with yard chores outside, and you’re hot! You go inside to cool off in the air conditioning and have a drink of water once the task is done. You decide to take a fast shower because you’re heading to the movies later. Before entering, you take a quick look in the mirror and notice that your face is somewhat sunburned.

What is the Condensation Reaction, and how does it work

Condensation is the reaction in which two molecules combine to form a single molecule, usually with the loss of a minor component like water.

The process by which the physical state of matter transitions from gaseous to liquid is known as condensation. When water vapour (in its gaseous form) in the air comes into contact with a colder surface, condensation happens. When airborne water collides with a cold surface, it condenses to produce water droplets. The evaporation reaction is the polar opposite of condensation.

Definition of Condensation

Condensation can also be characterised in the following way:

Condensation is the transformation of a gas into a liquid.

Condensations are defined as reactions that include the joining of two molecules with the loss of water.

Condensation is the process of removing heat from a system in such a way that vapour becomes liquid.

Basic Process of Condensation

Water condenses when it transitions from a gaseous state to a liquid or crystalline state. Any gas can condense at high pressure and low temperature. Technically, condensation can occur at any temperature as long as the pressure of the gas in its liquid state is lower than the pressure of the condensing gas. Because the heat energy is removed during the condensation process, the molecules in the matter slow down, causing a transition within the three states of matter, transforming the matter into the solid-state.

A condensation reaction occurs when two molecules join to make a bigger one, as well as a water molecule. In living organisms, condensation reactions involving alcohols and a variety of other molecular kinds are widespread.

The eliminated hydrogen and hydroxide in a condensation reaction come from different molecules, whereas the removed H and OH in a dehydration reaction come from the same molecule.

1 The H is removed from an electronegative atom in a condensation reaction, whereas the H is removed from a C atom in a dehydration reaction.

2 Water Cycle – Condensation

Condensation plays a crucial role in the water cycle since it is responsible for cloud formation.

The production of clouds is caused by the presence of water vapour in the air, which eventually results in rain.

3 The movement of water molecules causes the phase transition of water from solid to liquid to gas.

In comparison to the liquid state, water molecules are randomly distributed in vapour form.

4 As water molecules become more organised during condensation, heat is released into the atmosphere, causing a phase transition from the vapour to the liquid state.

When heated air rises and cools, this is what happens in the atmosphere.

Conclusion

Condensation is the transformation of water vapour in the air into liquid water. In other words, the water vapour in the air from your hot shower cooled when it came into contact with the cold mirror’s surface. This led the water vapour to condense, or change from a gas to a liquid. Moisture, beads of water, and fog have accumulated on the mirror, which you observe.