Condensation

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The term of condensation is also used in chemistry see Condensation (organic chemistry) and Condensation reaction and the term condensate is also used in particle physics where it describes a particular state of matter.

Condensation is the change of the physical state of aggregation (or simply state) of matter from gaseous phase into liquid phase.^[1] When the transition happens from the gaseous phase into the solid phase directly, bypassing the liquid phase the change is called deposition, which is the opposite of sublimation.

Condensation commonly occurs when a vapor is cooled to its dew point, but the dewpoint can also be reached through compression. The condensed vapour is called a condensate, the laboratory or the industrial equipment used for condensation is called a condenser.

The science of studying the thermodynamic properties of moist air and the interrelationships between these in order to analyze, and predict properties by changing in the conditions of moist air is called psychrometry. The interrelationship can be graphically represented, and prediction carried out graphically by the psychrometric chart Most people think the water is condensation, but condensation is only the process of change.

Contents 1 Condensation in buildings 2 Applications of condensation 3 References 4 See also 5 External links

[edit] Condensation in buildings

Condensation is the most common form of dampness encountered in buildings. In buildings the internal air can have a high level of relative humidity due to the activity of the occupants (e.g. cooking, drying clothes, breathing etc.). When this air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows and cold walls it can condense, causing dampness.^[2] Condensation is change from a gas to a liquid. Condensation is when water vapor cools to a liquid.

[edit] Applications of condensation

Condensation is a crucial component of distillation, an important application in laboratory and industrial chemistry application.

Because condensation is a naturally occurring phenomenon, it can often be used to generate water in large quantities for human use. In fact, there are many structures that are made solely for the purpose of collecting water from condensation, such as fog fences, air wells and dew ponds. Such system can often be used to retain soil moisture in areas where active desertification is occurring. In fact, certain organizations use education about water condensers in efforts to effectively aid such areas.^[3]

[edit] References

• Condensation principles (Picture).
• Condensation & Evaporation Experiment (Video).

1. ^ International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. "condensation in atmospheric chemistry". Compendium of Chemical Terminology Internet edition.
2. ^ http://www.buildingpreservation.com/Condensation.htm Building Preservation (Condensatireiron - the basics)
3. ^ FogQuest - Fog Collection / Water Harvesting Projects - Welcome

[edit] See also

• Kelvin equation
• Phase diagram
• Phase transition
• Condenser (heat transfer)
• Surface condenser
• Bose–Einstein condensate

[edit] External links

• Condensation Myths and Facts
• Guide to condensation in buildings and how to overcome

From	To
	Solid	Liquid	Gas	Plasma
Solid	Solid-Solid Transformation	Melting	Sublimation	-
Liquid	Freezing	N/A	Boiling/Evaporation	-
Gas	Deposition	Condensation	N/A	Ionization
Plasma	-	-	Recombination/Deionization	N/A