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Difference Between Vapor and Gas, Major Differences

Difference between Vapor and Gas, know the definition, explore real life example and all the Difference between Vapor and Gas based on important parameters. Check out this topic to excel your understanding in NEET chemistry.
authorImagePraveen Kushwah27 May, 2025
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Difference between Vapor and Gas

Difference between Vapor and Gas : Vapor and gas both describe when something turns from a liquid to a gas. When people say "vapor," they usually mean steam, which happens when water becomes vapor by boiling or heating. On the other hand, "gas" commonly refers to things like air that are in a gaseous form.

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This difference helps us understand that vapor often relates to steam from water, while gas can be any substance in a gaseous state. So, in simpler terms, vapor is like steam, and gas is like air or any other substance in its airy form.

Difference between Vapor and Gas Overview

Knowing the difference between vapor and gas is really important in NEET chemistry. It helps in understanding how substances change from liquid to gas and vice versa, like when water turns into steam. This knowledge is crucial for grasping concepts like how gases behave under different conditions. When you get this right, it makes studying things like ideal gases much easier. So, in simpler terms, understanding vapor and gas is understanding the concepts of chemistry deeply, helping you do well in the exam and paving the way for a future medical career.

Difference between Vapor and Gas

Here is the table of Difference between Vapor and Gas based on all parameters essential from the NEET chemistry syllabus point of view. Students must go through it to build strong concepts and prepare better for the NEET exam.
Difference between Vapor and Gas
Parameter Vapor Gas
State of Matter Gaseous state of a substance in equilibrium with its liquid or solid form A substance in the gaseous state
Formation Evaporated from liquid state Formed directly from a solid or liquid state
Temperature and Pressure Formation typically at or below boiling point Can exist at various temperatures and pressures
Visibility Often not visible, unless condensed into visible droplets or particles Visible and spread uniformly
Examples Water vapor, steam Oxygen gas, nitrogen gas, etc.
Density Lower density compared to gases at room temperature Can have different densities depending on the type of gas and conditions
Phase Transition Easily condenses to a liquid or solid state when cooled Undergoes phase changes directly between solid, liquid, and gas states
Behavior in Atmosphere Naturally present in the atmosphere; essential for weather patterns Constitutes a significant portion of the Earth's atmosphere; essential for life processes
Specific Examples Humidity, cloud formation Oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide

Explore -

What is Vapor?

Vapor refers to the gaseous phase of a substance that is typically in equilibrium with its liquid or solid state. When a substance undergoes a phase change, such as evaporation, it enters the vapor phase. Water vapor is a common example, formed when water evaporates into the air. It is invisible in its gaseous state but can become visible when it condenses into tiny droplets, forming clouds or fog. 

What is Gas?

Gas, in a general sense, refers to a state of matter where the substance has neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume. It expands to fill the available space. Gases can exist independently of their liquid or solid phases. Oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere are examples of gases. They have no specific association with a liquid or solid state, unlike vapor, which is specifically the gaseous form in equilibrium with a liquid or solid.
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Difference between Vapor and Gas FAQs

What is difference between vapour and gas?

Vapor is the gaseous phase of a substance typically in equilibrium with its liquid or solid state, while gas refers to a substance in the gaseous state without a specific association with its liquid or solid phases.

Is vapor also gas?

Yes, vapor is a type of gas. However, it specifically refers to a gas that is in equilibrium with its liquid or solid state.

Is vapor an example of a gas?

Yes, vapor is an example of a gas, specifically a gaseous form associated with substances in their liquid or solid states.

Is air vapor a gas?

Air contains various gases, including water vapor. So, yes, water vapor is a component of air, and it is a type of gas.

What is Vapor, a Gas?

Vapor is a type of gas, specifically the gaseous phase of a substance in equilibrium with its liquid or solid state.

Is steam A vapor or a gas?

Steam is a vapor. It is the gaseous phase of water when it is in equilibrium with its liquid phase, typically occurring at or above its boiling point.
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