Condensation and evaporation are components of the water cycle, which is the continuous process by which water circulates through the Earth's atmosphere, land, and bodies of water.
Evaporation
- Definition: Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state (water vapor) due to the addition of heat energy.
- Components: It mainly involves:
- Water bodies (lakes, rivers, oceans)
- Sunlight (providing heat energy)
- Atmospheric conditions (temperature, humidity, wind)
Condensation
- Definition: Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds or mist.
- Components: It involves:
- Cooling of air (which causes water vapor to lose energy)
- Particles in the atmosphere (which provide a surface for water vapor to condense upon)
- Atmospheric conditions (temperature and humidity)
Together, these processes play a crucial role in weather patterns, climate, and the distribution of freshwater on Earth. They are integral to phenomena such as cloud formation, precipitation, and the overall balance of the Earth's hydrosphere.
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