Initiation[edit]

Condensation is initiated by the formation of atomic/molecular clusters of that species within its
gaseous volumelike rain drop or snow flake formation within cloudsor at the contact between
such gaseous phase and a liquid or solid surface.

Reversibility scenarios[edit]
A few distinct reversibility scenarios emerge here with respect to the nature of the surface.

absorption into the surface of a liquid (either of the same substance or one of its solvents)is
reversible as evaporation.[1]
adsorption (as dew droplets) onto solid surface at pressures and temperatures higher than the
species' triple pointalso reversible as evaporation.
adsorption onto solid surface (as supplemental layers of solid) at pressures and temperatures
lower than the species' triple pointis reversible as sublimation.

Most common scenarios[edit]

Condensation commonly occurs when a vapor is cooled and/or compressed to its saturation
limit when the molecular density in the gas phase reaches its maximal threshold. Vapor cooling and
compressing equipment that collects condensed liquids is called a "condenser".

How condensation is measured[edit]

Psychrometry measures the rates of condensation through evaporation into the air moisture at
various atmospheric pressures and temperatures. Water is the product of its vapor condensation
condensation is the process of such phase conversion.

Applications of condensation[edit]

In cloud chambers a liquid (sometimes water, but usually isopropanol) condenses upon contact with
a particle of radiation thus producing an effect similar to contrails

Condensation is a crucial component of distillation, an important 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. Many structures are made solely for the purpose of collecting
water from condensation, such as air wells and fog fences. Such systems can often be used to
retain soil moisture in areas where active desertification is occurringso much so that some
organizations educate people living in affected areas about water condensers to help them deal
effectively with the situation.[2]
It is also a crucial process in forming particle tracks in a cloud chamber. In this case, ions produced
by an incident particle act as nucleation centers for the condensation of the vapor producing the
visible "cloud" trails.
Furthermore, condensation is a critical step in many industrial processes, such as power generation,
water desalination, thermal management, refrigeration, and air conditioning.[3]

Biological adaptation[edit]
Numerous living beings use water made accessible by condensation. A few examples of these are
the Australian thorny devil, the darkling beetles of the Namibian coast, and the coast redwoods of
the West Coast of the United States.

Condensation in building construction[edit]

Condensation on a window during a rain shower.

Condensation in building construction is an unwanted phenomenon as it may

cause dampness, mold health issues, wood rot, corrosion, weakening of mortar and masonry walls,
and energy penalties due to increased heat transfer. To alleviate these issues, the indoor air
humidity needs to be lowered, or air ventilation in the building needs to be improved. This can be
done in a number of ways, for example opening windows, turning on extractor fans, using
dehumidifiers, drying clothes outside and covering pots and pans whilst cooking. Air conditioning or
ventilation systems can be installed that help remove moisture from the air, and move air throughout
a building.[4] The amount of water vapour that can be stored in the air can be increased simply by
increasing the temperature.[4] However, this can be a double edged sword as most condensation in
the home occurs when warm, moisture heavy air comes into contact with a cool surface. As the air is
cooled, it can no longer hold as much water vapour. This leads to deposition of water on the cool
surface. This is very apparent when central heating is used in combination with single glazed
windows in winter.
Interstructure condensation may be caused by thermal bridges, insufficient or lacking
insulation, damp proofing or insulated glazing.[5]