Which phase change occurs when water vapor condenses into a liquid?

Which phase change occurs when water vapor condenses into a liquid?

• A. Condensation
• B. Sublimation
• C. Evaporation
• D. Precipitation

Answer: (A)

Condensation is the phase change where a gas becomes a liquid. When water vapor cools or is compressed, its molecules slow down and come together to form droplets, releasing energy to the surroundings as latent heat. This is why you see dew on grass or fog forming in the air. Sublimation is solid to gas, evaporation is liquid to gas, and precipitation is water falling from the air—none of those describe gas turning directly into a liquid.

Condensation is the phase change where a gas becomes a liquid. When water vapor cools or is compressed, its molecules slow down and come together to form droplets, releasing energy to the surroundings as latent heat. This is why you see dew on grass or fog forming in the air. Sublimation is solid to gas, evaporation is liquid to gas, and precipitation is water falling from the air—none of those describe gas turning directly into a liquid.