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Difference Between Evaporation and Condensation

Difference Between Evaporation And Condensation; both are very important concepts from the NEET syllabus, they might sound similar but has huge difference. If you want to understand the concept, check the detailed Difference Between Evaporation And Condensation.
authorImagePraveen Kushwah9 Jun, 2025
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Difference Between Evaporation and Condensation

Difference Between Evaporation and Condensation: Evaporation and condensation are two processes and very important concepts from the NEET syllabus , they might sound similar, but they're quite different. When aspirants use water as an example to explain these concepts.

Water is made up of tiny particles called molecules. These molecules are attracted to each other, but they also have energy that makes them move around. When the molecules at the surface of the water move really fast, they can escape into the air and become vapor. This change is called evaporation. The interesting part is that it can go both ways, vapor molecules can come back together and turn into liquid again, and this is called condensation.

Difference Between Evaporation and Condensation Overview

Evaporation and condensation are distinct phases in the water cycle. Evaporation involves the transformation of liquid into vapor due to heat, where surface molecules gain energy and escape into the air. The difference between Evaporation and condensation can be easily understood with the phenomena of drying wet cloths and the formation of clouds. Check out the below table and grasp a full understanding of the concept.

Difference Between Evaporation and Condensation
Parameter Evaporation Condensation
Definition The process of turning a liquid into a gas at temperatures below its boiling point. The process of turning a gas into a liquid, releasing heat.
Temperature Takes place at the surface of the liquid and can occur at any temperature. Occurs when a gas is cooled, typically at or below its dew point.
Energy Change Absorbs heat energy from the surroundings. Releases heat energy to the surroundings.
Phase Change Liquid to gas (vapor). Gas to liquid.
Molecular Movement Fast-moving molecules escape from the liquid. Gas molecules slow down and come together to form a liquid.
Location in Water Cycle Mainly occurs in bodies of water exposed to sunlight (e.g., oceans, lakes). Commonly observed in the atmosphere, leading to cloud formation.
Applications Drying clothes, puddles evaporating, cooling systems. Cloud formation, dew forming on the grass in the morning.

Evaporation Definition

Evaporation is the process by which a liquid turns into vapor or gas at a temperature below its boiling point. This transformation occurs when the molecules in the liquid gain enough energy to escape into the air. The most common example of evaporation is the conversion of water from a liquid state to water vapor in the atmosphere.

Example - When you leave a wet towel out in the sun, the water on the towel will gradually evaporate. The heat from the sun provides the necessary energy for the water molecules on the surface of the towel to break their bonds and transition into a gaseous state, becoming water vapor.

Evaporation Definition

Condensation is the process by which a gas or vapor turns into a liquid. This occurs when the molecules in a gas lose energy and come together to form a liquid. The most familiar example of condensation is when water vapor in the air cools and turns into liquid water droplets, often forming clouds.

Example - A common example of condensation is the formation of dew on grass in the early morning. During the night, the temperature drops, causing the water vapor in the air to lose energy and condense into tiny water droplets on the cool surfaces of the grass. This process is also responsible for the formation of clouds in the atmosphere when warm air rises and cools at higher altitudes, leading to the condensation of water vapor into visible cloud formations.

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Difference Between Evaporation and Condensation FAQs

What is evaporation and condensation Class 9?

Students learn that evaporation is the process of converting a liquid into vapor at temperatures below its boiling point. It occurs at the surface of the liquid and is influenced by factors like temperature, humidity, and surface area. Condensation, on the other hand, is the opposite process, where a gas transforms into a liquid by releasing heat. Both processes are integral to the water cycle and have practical applications in daily life.

What is evaporation and condensation example?

An example of evaporation is the drying of wet clothes in the sun. As the liquid water on the clothes is exposed to sunlight, it turns into vapor. A common example of condensation is when steam from a hot shower condenses on a bathroom mirror, forming water droplets as it cools down.

What are 5 examples of condensation?

Water droplets forming on a cold glass of iced water. Morning dew on grass or leaves. Cloud formation in the sky. Condensation on a bathroom mirror after a hot shower. Formation of droplets on the outside of a cold beverage can on a humid day.

What is evaporation and condensation examples for kids?

A simple example of evaporation is the drying of a wet sponge left out in the sun. Condensation can be explained using a mirror analogy, where breathing on a mirror (adding moisture) and observing it fog up represents condensation.

What is the difference between condensation and condensate?

Condensation is the process where a gas transforms into a liquid by releasing heat. Condensate, on the other hand, refers to the liquid that results from this process. So, condensation is the action, while condensate is the product, a liquid formed from the condensation process.
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