Condensation

• Condensation is the change of physical

state of matter from gaseous phase
into liquid phase. It is a process in
which water vapor (gaseous form) in
the air changes into liquid water when
it touches a cooler surface. When
water in the air comes in contact with
a cold surface, it condenses to form
water droplets. This phenomenon is
known as condensation. The reverse of
condensation is evaporation.
Forms Of Condensation
• Dew
• Frost
• Fog
• Mist
• Rime
• Smog
• Haze
1. Dew:
The deposition of water vapor in the form of tiny droplets on the colder
bodies by condensation is known as dew.

2. Frost:
When the temperature of air falls below 00 C before the dew point is
reached, the water vapor is directly converted into crystals of ice, and
this is called as frost.
3.Fog:
Extremely small water droplets suspending in the atmosphere and
reducing the horizontal visibility is fog.
• Classification of Fog:
A) Thick Fog : Restricts visibility up to 45 meters
B) Moderate Fog : Restricts visibility up to 450 meters
C) Thin Fog : Restricts visibility up to 900 meters.
4. Mist:
Mist is less dense fog. The suspended water droplets restrict Visibility
between 1000 to 2000 meters or 4 on the coded scale (IMD) The
obscurity is known as mist.
5. Rime:
It is formed when wet fog having super cooled droplets immediately
freeze on striking objects like telegraph post having temperature below
freezing point.
6. Smog:
The combined effect of smoke and fog droplets may reduce visibility
and this phenomenon is called smog.
7. Haze:
Some solid particles like dust, smoke from fire and industry restrict
visibility is haze
Types of condensation

There are four types of condensation:

1. Surface condensation
2. Interstitial condensation
3. Reverse condensation
4. Radiation condensation
1. Surface condensation. This is the most familiar type of
condensation, taking the form of water on window panes, cold wall
surfaces and tiles.
2. Interstitial condensation. This is condensation forming between
walls or within the building structure.
3. Reverse condensation. This is also called “Summer condensation”. If
rains drenches a wall and strong sunlight then dries it, the heat can
actually force water vapor into the wall.
4. Radiation condensation. This is sometimes called “clear night
condensation“. If there is a sudden temperature drop at night, it can
cause condensation on the underside of roof coverings.