Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface. This leads to two main causes:
1. Temperature Difference:
- Warm air holds more moisture than cold air. When warm, humid air encounters a cold surface, the water vapor in the air cools down and condenses into liquid water droplets.
- Examples: Condensation on a cold glass of water, fog forming on a cold morning, dew forming on grass.
2. Saturation:
- Air can only hold a certain amount of moisture at a given temperature. When air reaches its maximum moisture capacity, it becomes saturated.
- Any further cooling or addition of moisture will cause condensation.
- Examples: Condensation forming on windows during winter, water droplets accumulating on a cold shower wall.
Condensation is a natural process that occurs frequently in our environment. Understanding the causes of condensation helps us to prevent or manage it in various situations.
