Question

Condensation of water vapors in atmosphere actually \(\underline{\hspace{1cm}}\).

• A. cools the surrounding
• B. sometime cools and sometimes warms the surrounding
• C. warms the surrounding
• D. neither cools nor warms the surrounding

Hint:

Think about how you feel when you get out of a pool. The evaporating water on your skin takes heat from your body, making you feel cold. Condensation is the exact opposite process; it releases heat.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand phase changes and energy.
Changing the phase of a substance requires an input or release of energy, known as latent heat. - Melting (solid to liquid) and evaporation (liquid to gas) are endothermic processes; they absorb heat from the surroundings, causing cooling. - Freezing (liquid to solid) and condensation (gas to liquid) are exothermic processes; they release heat into the surroundings, causing warming.

Step 2: Apply this to condensation.
When water vapor (a gas) condenses into liquid water droplets to form clouds, it must release the energy that was required to turn it into a gas in the first place. This released energy is called the latent heat of condensation. This energy is transferred to the surrounding air molecules. Conclusion: The release of latent heat during condensation warms the surrounding atmosphere. This is a crucial process in the development of storms like hurricanes.