Condensation is the change from a gaseous state to a liquid state. And liquefaction is the reverse process of vaporization.
For the steam to undergo condensation, there must be a reduction in its temperature or an increase in the pressure to which it is subjected.
A substance in a gaseous state does not have a defined shape or volume, it ends up occupying whatever space is available. In this state the substance is compressed.
The molecules and atoms that form the substance are separated from each other and there is no cohesive force between particles. When the value loses latent heat, the vibration and internal energy tend to decrease.
This decrease causes the substance to lose its own characteristics of the gaseous state and start to change to the liquid state. The condensation process also occurs when there is an increase in the pressure exerted by the steam.
This reduces space and particles, the cohesive force increases and substance condenses. An example of condensation is water droplets that form on the outside of a glass.
The amount of water that is present in the air is condensed when it comes into contact with the cold surface of the glass, making it all wet.
See too: Thermoelectric power plant
Index
Fractional liquefaction is the separation of gases from a homogeneous mixture. The process consists of cooling or compressing the gases that form the mixture until they change into a liquid state.
The homogeneous liquid mixture, resulting from the condensation, is placed in a distillation column. Here, the fractional distillation process, which is the separation of heat, takes place.
In this distillation column, the substances that form the mixture will be subjected to areas with different temperatures. As each one has different boiling points, they change phases at different times. This makes it possible to separate the mixture.
The amount of water vapor that exists in the atmosphere varies. It is a decisive factor in the water cycle and the balance of temperature on the planet. There are several indices that can indicate the degree of humidity in the atmosphere.
The best known index is the relative humidity of the air. It represents how long it is before the atmosphere is saturated. The atmosphere is saturated when the relative humidity equals 100%.
The water value in the atmosphere can have successive changes of state. It can be condensed when reaching higher layers and also at lower temperatures.
The drops originated in this condensation, when they are agglutinated around the condensation nuclei, form clouds.
Clouds are basically composed of droplets in liquid form in the lower layers or small ice crystals in the higher layers.
When steam is condensed near the ground, fogs originate and when it is deposited on cold surfaces, dew is formed.
Condensation has five processes of transformation of matter which are: condensation, fusion, vaporization, solidification and sublimation.
Another article suggestion: wind energy
Liquefaction or condensation? Often the terms liquefaction and condensation are used as if they were synonyms… But they are not… Check out this quick lesson and understand when to use each of them!!!
Also be sure to check: thermal balance
Subscribe to our email list and receive interesting information and updates in your email inbox
Thanks for signing up.
