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: Grasp phase changes and energy. Phase changes need energy input or release, termed latent heat. - Melting (solid to liquid) and evaporation (liquid to gas) are endothermic, absorbing heat and causing cooling. - Freezing (liquid to solid) and condensation (gas to liquid) are exothermic, releasing heat and causing warming.

Step 2: Apply this to condensation. When water vapor condenses into liquid water (clouds), it releases the energy used to become a gas. This is the latent heat of condensation, transferring energy to surrounding air molecules. Conclusion: Latent heat release during condensation warms the atmosphere, crucial for storm development, e.g., hurricanes.