What energy change occurs during condensation?
During condensation, a change in energy called heat release occurs. This is because condensation is the process by which a substance changes from a gas to a liquid state. When a gas condenses, its molecules lose energy and come closer together, resulting in the formation of liquid droplets. This energy is typically released to the surrounding environment in the form of heat.
To understand the energy change that occurs during condensation, we can consider the concept of latent heat. Latent heat is the heat energy that is either released or absorbed during a phase change, such as during the transition from a gas to a liquid. In the case of condensation, latent heat is released as the gas molecules lose energy and convert into a liquid state.
The amount of heat released during condensation depends on the substance involved and can be quantified by its specific latent heat of condensation. This value is defined as the amount of energy released or absorbed per unit mass when a substance condenses at a constant temperature.
To find specific values for the latent heat of condensation for different substances, one can consult scientific literature, textbooks, or reliable online resources. These sources often provide tables or data for various substances, allowing you to determine the energy change during condensation for a particular substance.