Difference Between Evaporation and Condensation

Introduction

Water molecules are maintained close to one another by an unknown force, as is common knowledge. The molecules can travel around without restriction. However, in addition to this force, the water molecules also have some kind of thermal energy, which is generated by extraordinarily fast vibrations. As a result, molecules at the surface move or vibrate with such strength that they escape into the atmosphere and turn into vapour. It is known as evaporation. The process is also reversible, allowing molecules to reassemble to create liquids. Condensation describes this. Although these words tend to sound similar, the processes they refer to are very different.

What is evaporation?

A natural process known as evaporation occurs when a liquid turns into a gas due to high pressure or temperature. It can happen at any temperature. Furthermore, evaporation doesn't result in bubbles. It is significant to highlight that the water cycle frequently involves evaporation, a natural process. No matter how much the temperature rises, it can happen anytime. For instance, if you leave a glass of water on the table for a long enough period, you will observe that the water level is dwindling without your intervention. One of the two vaporisation methods. In this process, liquid atoms or molecules gain enough energy to change into gaseous atoms or molecules.

Factors affecting evaporation

Temperature

The rate of evaporation increases along with the temperature. The relationship between temperature and evaporation rate is proportional. The temperature to which it is exposed determines the rate of evaporation. More liquid is exposed to it as the temperature rises. As the kinetic energy rises, the liquid turns into vapour instead. As a result, evaporation happens more quickly.

Surface area

The liquid is exposed to directly affects how quickly it evaporates. Let's look at some real-world examples. Typically, the cloth is expanded over the cloth line to expose more surface area, which causes the water to evaporate.

The humidity of the air

The amount of water vapour in the air has a big impact on evaporation. The speed at which the cloth dries increases with decreasing water vapour. The longer it takes for the water to evaporate and dry our garments, the more water vapour there is in the air.

Wind speed

The rate of evaporation increases with the strength of the wind. Water evaporates more quickly when there is more wind, which increases the kinetic energy between the water molecules. Consider how your clothing dries more quickly on a windy day than it does on a rainy day.

Condensation

Condensation is the phenomenon by which the water vapour changes to the liquid state, changing its phase. Condensation can be accomplished in one of the two techniques listed below:

• The process of chilling air to its dew point.

• Saturation with water vapour to the point where it is unable to contain any more water.

In the atmosphere, water condenses to form dew. The dew point is the temperature at which condensation starts to take place. Condensation is thought to be the opposite of evaporation, where liquid water transforms into a gaseous condition. At varying atmospheric pressures and temperatures, the process of evaporation into the air moisture can be used to calculate the rate of condensation. Condensation is a chemical reaction in which two molecules come together, losing water droplets in the process. It also involves eliminating heat from the system where the vapour turns into a liquid.

Condensation is a natural atmospheric process that results in the creation of clouds. The atmosphere's water vapour is still present in the atmosphere. The water molecules are constantly changing between the solid, liquid, and gas phases of matter. The vapours in the air are always moving randomly and are only loosely connected. Water molecules become more structured when there is an overabundance of moisture in the air. As a result, heat is released into the environment along with a transition from the vapour to the liquid phase. Warm air first rises, then when it cools, it condenses into rain.

Reasons behind the condensation process

High pressure and low temperature are the conditions for condensation. Condensation takes place if the pressure of the gas in its liquid state is lower than the pressure of the gas that is condensing. The emission of heat energy during this process causes the state of matter to change. The process is easily triggered by dust, smoke, or microscopic microorganisms. The maximum vapour pressure can only be reached when the atmosphere is completely saturated.

Saturation

A collection of water droplets gathered in the atmosphere might be thought of as a cloud. In the atmosphere, the water atoms are spread apart from one another. Every time more droplets mix, the clouds reach the water vapour saturation point. The clouds grow saturated as more water droplets assemble there. As the density rises, they are no longer able to hold any more water vapour. The water molecules are now more closely spaced out as a result. Rain is created as a result of the condensation of water vapour.

Difference between evaporation and condensation

Evaporation	Condensation
When water evaporates, it turns into vapour	Condensation converts water from water vapour.
Occurs before a liquid's boiling point.	The temperature has no impact on it at all.
There is energy consumption.	There is an energy release.
Molecular molecules are attracted to one another weakly.	Molecules are attracted to one another strongly.

Conclusion

The process through which water transforms from a liquid to a gas or vapour is known as evaporation. The main way that water enters the water cycle as atmospheric water vapour after leaving the liquid stage is through evaporation. Whereas the best example of condensation is when those huge, fluffy clouds are floating above your head. Condensation is the process of transforming water vapour back into liquid water. And as the water droplets in clouds mix, they grow dense enough to produce raindrops that fall directly onto your head. A liquid evaporates before it reaches its boiling point. No matter the temperature, condensation involves a phase transition.

FAQs

1. Describe the order in which evaporation and condensation occur?

The first step in the process that creates water vapour in the atmosphere is evaporation. Condensation is caused when these water droplets gather and cool.

2. How may condensation be prevented in a residential setting?

By creating adequate ventilation holes for the moisture to escape during activities like cooking and taking a shower, condensation can be prevented.

3. Why is condensation significant to humans?

The transformation of water vapour back into liquid water is called condensation. Because condensation is what causes clouds to develop, it is crucial to our weather and climate. Without clouds, the third phase of the water cycle, known as precipitation, cannot be reached.

4. Describe the negative consequences of condensation?

Condensation has some detrimental side effects, including Mildew and fungi growth

Peeling or blistering paint

Dry stains on the ceiling

5. Describe condensate water?

When airborne water vapour, which is frequently referred to as humidity, comes into touch with a colder surface, the water transforms into a liquid and gathers on the cold surface. Condensate is the name for the water vapour in the air that condenses to form a liquid.