Condensation and evaporation are opposite processes that involve the change of state of water between liquid and gas.
Evaporation
- Definition: Evaporation is the process where a liquid changes into a gas. This occurs when the molecules of a liquid gain enough energy to break free from the liquid's surface and escape into the air.
- Energy: Evaporation requires energy, usually from heat. As the liquid absorbs heat, its molecules move faster and some escape into the atmosphere.
- Examples: A puddle drying up in the sun, water boiling in a kettle, and sweat evaporating from your skin.
Condensation
- Definition: Condensation is the process where a gas changes into a liquid. This happens when the gas molecules lose energy and slow down, causing them to clump together and form liquid droplets.
- Energy: Condensation releases energy, usually as heat. As the gas molecules lose energy, they slow down and release heat into the surrounding environment.
- Examples: Dew forming on grass in the morning, clouds forming in the sky, and water droplets forming on a cold glass of water.
In Summary
Evaporation and condensation are crucial processes in the water cycle, constantly moving water between the atmosphere, land, and oceans. Evaporation takes liquid water and turns it into water vapor, while condensation takes water vapor and turns it back into liquid water. These processes are constantly happening around us, driving weather patterns and influencing our climate.
