Understanding the Condensation Process

Matter can exist in different states, such as solid, liquid, and gas (or vapour). The process by which matter changes from one state to another is called a phase transition or phase change. The question asks about the specific process known as condensation.

Condensation is a common phase change in the water cycle. It is the process where water vapour, which is the gaseous form of water, changes into liquid water. This happens when water vapour in the air cools down and loses energy.

Let's look at the options provided and how they relate to phase changes:

• Conversion of water into water vapour: This process is called evaporation or vaporization, where liquid water changes into a gas (water vapour).
• Conversion of water vapour into solid form: This process is called deposition or desublimation, where a gas changes directly into a solid without passing through the liquid state. Frost formation is an example.
• Conversion of water into solid form: This process is called freezing or solidification, where liquid water changes into solid ice.
• Conversion of water vapour into its liquid form: This process is the definition of condensation. When moist air cools, the water vapour in it loses energy and turns back into tiny liquid water droplets. This is what forms clouds, fog, and dew.

Therefore, the condensation process specifically refers to the change of water from its gaseous state (water vapour) to its liquid state.