Condensation is a process involving a change in state from a gaseous to a liquid state. This is most commonly seen in the water cycle and many separation processes in chemical industries. Sometimes the condensation process is confused with the condensation reaction in chemistry. In this article, we explain the condensation process, factors affecting condensation and the applications of it.
What is condensation?
Condensation in simple terms is a process where gas is turned into liquid.
What is a condensation reaction in organic chemistry?
It is the reaction between two or more molecules which results in the elimination of simple molecule like alcohol, water, etc. For example, a reaction between alcohol and carboxylic acid is accompanied by the release of a water molecule. There are two types of condensation reactions:
Intramolecular condensation :
Two functional groups of the same molecule react to eliminate a simple molecule is termed Intramolecular condensation.
Intermolecular condensation:
The reaction between two molecules of different or same compounds is termed intermolecular condensation.
Example of condensation:
- Water vapor in air changes into liquid water when it comes in contact with the cooler surface forming water droplets. Small particles like pollen, pollutants, etc provide the surface for condensation. The formation of clouds can be considered as an example where water vapor is turned into water particles.
- Fogging on a mirror after a hot shower is another example.
Condensation (water cycle):
Condensation plays important role in water cycles as it is responsible for the formations of clouds. The water vapor present in the air condenses to form clouds that come down in form of rain. It is because of the movement of water molecules. when condensation happens water molecules get organized and heat is released into the atmosphere causing it to change from vapor to liquid. This usually occurs in the atmosphere when warm air rises and cools down.
Application of Condensation:
It is a naturally occurring phenomenon and is used to generate large quantities of water.
- In the chemistry distillation process.
- In industries
- Thermal management
- Refrigeration
- Air conditioning
Factors that govern condensation:
- The water vapor content of the air.
- Inside room temperature
- Outside temperature
- Temperature variation ( internal and external)
