Condensation

Question 1

Condensation

Answer 1

Water vapour changes states into liquid water.

air cools it can’t hold as much water vapour , it will become too saturated.
This is known as dew point.

Excess water in air will then be converted to liquid in process of condensation.

Question 2

Why do molecules condense on ?

Answer 2

Condensation Nuclei
Like smoke

Or surfaces
Like leaves

These have to be below the dew point

If Surface is below freezing point then water vapour sublimates changing directly from gas to solid - hoar frost

Question 3

What does condensation result in ?

Answer 3

Precipitation

Question 4

How does condensation cause precipitation ?

Answer 4

When temp air is reduced to dew point it’s volume remains constant.
When warm moist air passes over cold surface or on cleanse winter night heat radiated out to space, ground cooler and cooling air in contact with it.

Question 5

How ELSE does condensation cause precipitation?

Answer 5

Volume of air increases but no addition of heat.

When air rises / expands in lower pressure or upper atmosphere.

This occurs when air is forced to rise over hills - orographic effect.
Or when localised warm surfaces heat air above. Expands / less dense and rises - conventional effect